Description
This Best Ever Baked Ziti is a comfort food classic with rich, cheesy goodness and a savory blend of seasoned beef (or sausage), marinara sauce, and mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef, or ground sausage
- 28 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or sausage). Drain excess fat, if needed.
- Combine the sauce: Add marinara sauce, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the meat. Stir well to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Layer the ziti: In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce, then half of the shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and fresh mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers: Add the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American