Baked Ziti (Easy Pasta Casserole) VIDEO
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
10 people
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Calories
469 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Baked Ziti (Easy Pasta Casserole) VIDEO
Description
Baked Ziti (Easy Pasta Casserole) begins by cooking ziti pasta until just al dente to ensure it finishes cooking uniformly in the oven. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, seasoned, then simmered with marinara sauce to form a savory meat sauce base. Ricotta cheese and fresh basil are stirred into the sauce along with the pasta to distribute creamy texture and herb flavor throughout.
The casserole is constructed in layers, alternating pasta mixture and shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy topping that melts and brown during baking. This layering provides contrast between creamy interior and slightly crisp cheese edges. The final dish offers tender pasta with a robust tomato and meat sauce balanced by the mild richness of ricotta and melting cheeses.
Baked Ziti makes a convenient make-ahead meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings. Its filling and cheesy texture pairs well with simple green salads or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta or penne pasta or gluten-free pasta
- 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese fresh
- 10 basil fresh leaves
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain (do not overcook as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven).
- In a deep pan or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until beef is fully cooked through and onions are softened (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sauteé for another minute. Add 5 cups marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, and continue cooking for 5 minutes then turn off the heat.
- Spread a ladle of meat sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Add chopped basil and spoon in ricotta into the remaining sauce Add cooked pasta and stir just until noodles are coated (you want to keep that ricotta texture)
- Transfer half of the pasta to the casserole dish. Top with 1/2 of the shredded mozzarella and 1/2 of the grated parmesan. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- Clear the edges of the pan so the cheese doesn’t burn onto the dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with basil if desired and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 469 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 469kcal | 23% |
| Carbs | 44g | |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 1307mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 765mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 991IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 498mg | 50% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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