Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Marzetta, a delightful baked pasta dish that combines layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and perfectly cooked penne pasta for a meal thatβs pure magic. Featuring a savory mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with basil and oregano, this dish is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. With a golden, bubbly crust of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, Marzetta is baked to perfection in just under an hour. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you're a pasta aficionado or looking for a new twist on traditional baked ziti, Marzetta is sure to become a go-to recipe that the whole family will love!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked pasta, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking 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 and bubbly, and the top is lightly browned.
Let the Marzetta cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.
Calories |
6441 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 363.5 g | 466% | |
| Saturated Fat | 154.7 g | 774% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1144 mg | 381% | |
| Sodium | 9552 mg | 415% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 466.7 g | 170% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.8 g | 135% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.6 g | ||
| Protein | 355.7 g | 711% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 4759 mg | 366% | |
| Iron | 43.6 mg | 242% | |
| Potassium | 7261 mg | 154% | |
*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.