Ziti Bake
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this rich and cheesy Ziti Bake! This classic Italian-American casserole layers tender ziti pasta with a hearty meat sauce, a creamy ricotta blend, and a golden, bubbly topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this baked pasta dish is bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this family-friendly recipe is easy to prepare and bakes to perfection in just under an hour. Garnished with fresh parsley and served warm, it’s an irresistible choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Indulge in this crowd-pleasing ziti casserole and bring a taste of Italy to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Mix until well blended.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer half the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
Top the dish with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the ziti bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4131 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 252.6 g | 324% | |
| Saturated Fat | 120.4 g | 602% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 763 mg | 254% | |
| Sodium | 6640 mg | 289% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 206.2 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.8 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.1 g | ||
| Protein | 248.6 g | 497% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 3636 mg | 280% | |
| Iron | 17.2 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 1791 mg | 38% | |
*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.
