Baked Ziti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
482 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Ziti
Description
This Baked Ziti starts by cooking ziti pasta until tender and setting it aside. Ground beef and mild Italian sausage are browned with sautéed garlic and onions before being simmered in marinara sauce enhanced with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat. Half the meat sauce is combined with the pasta, and layered in a baking dish alternated with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and eggs that bind the bake together. Multiple layers create moist pockets of cheese and meat sauce throughout the pasta. The dish is finished with remaining meat sauce and cheese on top, then baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a satisfying casserole that balances robust savory flavors and creamy, melty cheese.
This baked ziti is a classic option for family meals or gatherings, delivering familiar comforting textures and taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti noodles 16 ounce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 yellow onion diced, medium
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage mild
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese whole milk
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese divided, grated
- 3 Tablespoons parsley divided, chopped, fresh
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 egg large
Instructions
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium high heat. Saute garlic and onions in hot skillet for 2 minutes. Add beef and sausage and continue cooking until browned. Drain off excess fat and return meat to the skillet.
- To the skillet, add marinara sauce. Use your favorite pasta sauce or make your own! Add Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low heat until pasta noodles are done cooking. When noodles are done cooking add half of the meat sauce to the noodles. Reserve the remaining sauce for layering.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese, 2 Tbsp of fresh parsley, pepper, and eggs. Mix until combined.
- Assemble the baked ziti in a 13x9 baking dish. First pour in half of the meat covered noodles in the bottom. Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the top, spreading evenly, followed by 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the reserved meat sauce.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of grated parmesan.
- Bake uncovered in 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and top with 1 Tbsp of fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use both ground beef and Italian sausage to create a flavorful, hearty sauce base.
- Be generous with sauce to prevent the baked ziti from becoming dry.
- You may substitute penne pasta if preferred, as both pastas hold sauce well.
- Distribute cheese mixture evenly over pasta layers for balanced bites of ricotta and mozzarella.
- This recipe can be adapted for the Instant Pot for a faster cooking option.
- For a lower-carb version, substitute ziti with zucchini noodles (zoodles).
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 482 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 482kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 112mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 1193mg | 50% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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