Description
Mouthwatering baked ziti from southern Italy combines hearty pasta with rich marinara and melted cheeses. Home cooks can easily craft this comforting classic that promises warm, cheesy satisfaction in every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
Cheese and Binding Ingredients:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Boil ziti pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender; drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown ground meat in a skillet, releasing rich flavors and breaking into small pieces.
- Infuse meat with aromatic garlic, basil, and oregano; pour marinara sauce and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, melding flavors together.
- Whisk ricotta cheese with egg, incorporating half the Parmesan and seasoning with salt and pepper to create a creamy mixture.
- Construct first pasta layer in baking dish, spreading half the ziti evenly across bottom.
- Distribute half the meat sauce over pasta, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Dollop half the ricotta mixture across sauce layer, creating creamy pockets.
- Scatter half the mozzarella cheese for optimal melting potential.
- Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients, creating a harmonious casserole.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan across top layer for enhanced flavor profile.
- Shield dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to retain moisture.
- Remove foil and continue baking 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden and edges become bubbly.
- Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before serving to set and stabilize layers.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier protein option that keeps the dish lean and nutritious.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers between layers to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
- Use gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the dish remains inclusive and delicious for all dietary needs.
- Let the ziti rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make serving easier, preventing the dish from falling apart when scooped.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg