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Baked Ziti Recipe

This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a crowd-pleaser pasta recipe made with layering ziti with ricotta and homemade tomato-meat sauce. This dish not only feeds a crowd, but also freezes beautifully.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 657 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the meat sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 can can crushed tomatoes 28-ounce
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
For the pasta:
  • 1 pound Ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
To Assemble The Baked Ziti:
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese homemade or store bought
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 F Degrees.
  2. To make the meat sauce: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often. You would have to break the large pieces of meat as it is cooking.
  3. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they are translucent, 7-8 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring it to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, 10-12 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil.
  4. Cook the pasta: In the mean time, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and ziti. Cook until it is al dente, 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  5. To assemble: Spread a thin layer (approximately 3-4 tablespoons) of the meat sauce at the bottom of a large (oven-proof) casserole dish (I used a 9X11 Pyrex). Place half of the ziti onto the sauce and spread it all over the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the meat and tomato sauce over it. Place 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese in dollops evenly on the meat sauce. Spread the rest of the ziti evenly as a second layer. Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the ziti and spread evenly using a spatula. Spread the rest of the ricotta cheese in dollops on top. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake it in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese on top turns golden brown.
  7. Sprinkle it with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Yields: This baked ziti recipe serves 6 people. The nutritional values below are per serving.
  • Storing leftovers: Bring them to room temperature, place them in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. 
  • Freezing: We recommend freezing it before baking the dish.  To do so, bring the baked ziti to room temperature and tightly cover the casserole dish with stretch film and aluminum foil tightly to prevent freezer burn. Keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. 
  • Thawing: Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, a day before you are ready to serve. Bake it as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that it might take just a few minutes longer, but you are good to go, once the cheese is golden brown.

Nutrition Information

Calories 657kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 66g (22%) Protein 33g (66%) Fat 28g (43%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Cholesterol 89mg (30%) Sodium 1768mg (74%) Potassium 795mg (23%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 1738IU (35%) Vitamin C 24mg (27%) Calcium 234mg (23%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 657

% Daily Value*

Calories 657kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 66g 22%
Protein 33g 66%
Fat 28g 43%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Cholesterol 89mg 30%
Sodium 1768mg 74%
Potassium 795mg 17%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 1738IU 35%
Vitamin C 24mg 27%
Calcium 234mg 23%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.