Description
This Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food. With a savory combination of ground beef (or Italian sausage), marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. With a sprinkling of Parmesan and aromatic Italian herbs, this baked pasta will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can add a little extra ricotta or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef or sausage for a lighter option.
- You can also add sautéed vegetables (like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions) to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Italian, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Italian Baked Pasta, Comfort Food, Pasta Casserole, Easy Pasta, Ziti Recipe, Italian Dinner