Description
This Best Ever Baked Ziti combines savory ground beef (or sausage), tangy marinara sauce, and a perfect blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. With flavorful Italian seasonings and a rich, bubbly cheese topping, this baked ziti will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to make and packed with classic Italian flavors, it’s a must-try dish for any pasta lover!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage)
- 28 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. -
Cook the Ziti:
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. -
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and canned diced tomatoes to the meat. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Assemble the Ziti:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta and meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. -
Layer and Bake:
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and some fresh mozzarella slices. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. -
Bake the Ziti:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve:
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- This recipe can also be frozen for later. Simply bake it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Italian, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Best Baked Ziti, Pasta Casserole, Italian Dinner, Easy Pasta, Cheesy Pasta