2 Layer Baked Ziti
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible 2 Layer Baked Ziti recipe, a hearty and cheesy Italian-American classic that's perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Featuring layers of tender ziti pasta, rich and savory meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, and a creamy ricotta mixture seasoned with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this dish is then topped with bubbling golden mozzarella for a melty, gooey finish. Ready in just about an hour, this baked ziti is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for leftovers. The two distinct layers ensure every bite is packed with flavor, while easy assembly and straightforward instructions make it a beginner-friendly favorite. Try this two-layer baked ziti for a filling, flavorful meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 24 oz Marinara sauce
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 1 Egg
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, boiling in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking the meat into crumbles with a spoon, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
To assemble the baked ziti, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add half of the cooked ziti pasta in an even layer, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half the remaining meat sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and finish with the last cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
587 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.9 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.6 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 128 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 958 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 33.4 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 399 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 321 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
