Baked Ziti Our Way
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with "Baked Ziti Our Way," a hearty, flavor-packed pasta casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This dish combines tender al dente ziti with a rich, homemade meat sauce simmered with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. Creamy layers of ricotta cheese, nutty Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella are beautifully baked to golden perfection, enveloping every bite with cheesy goodness. Easy to assemble in a 9x13 dish and ready in just an hour, this baked ziti recipe is a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Serve it fresh out of the oven, garnished with fresh parsley, for a weeknight dinner or a dish worthy of your next potluck. Keywords: baked ziti recipe, cheesy pasta casserole, hearty comfort food, family dinner ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Lower the heat, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
Grab a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches) and start assembling the ziti. Spoon a thin layer of sauce onto the bottom of the dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Layer half of the cooked ziti in the dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Add a generous layer of the sauce over the cheese. Repeat the layers: the remaining ziti, the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella, and a final topping of sauce.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4685 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 223.5 g | 287% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.3 g | 506% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 762 mg | 254% | |
| Sodium | 6336 mg | 276% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 445.0 g | 162% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 42.7 g | 152% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.1 g | ||
| Protein | 267.9 g | 536% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 4220 mg | 325% | |
| Iron | 34.4 mg | 191% | |
| Potassium | 4956 mg | 105% | |
*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.
