Description
Ziti lovers rejoice with this classic Italian-American Ziti Bake that delivers pure comfort on a plate. Melted cheese, hearty pasta, and rich marinara create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken
Cheese:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs, Spices, and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of grease.
- Immerse ziti pasta in heavily salted water, cooking until al dente. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate ground protein into the skillet, breaking into fine crumbles while browning completely. Season the mixture with aromatic herbs, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes. Remove from heat source.
- Combine cooked pasta with the prepared sauce in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold in ricotta and half the mozzarella, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Transfer half the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Distribute a generous layer of Parmesan and remaining mozzarella across the surface.
- Add the final pasta layer, topping with a complete cheese coverage for maximum flavor and texture.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, baking for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbles enthusiastically.
- Allow the ziti to rest and set for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Choose high-quality, firm ziti pasta that maintains its shape during baking for the best texture and mouthfeel.
- Opt for a rich, homemade marinara or a premium store-bought sauce to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding provolone or fontina for a more complex and creamy result.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 528 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg