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Baked Ziti

A hearty and comforting dish made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and layers of creamy cheeses, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta (or penne) Can substitute with penne
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Meat and Aromatics
  • 1 pound ground beef (or Halal chicken/turkey) Can substitute with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing Aromatics
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Browning Meat
  1. If you are using ground beef or chicken/turkey, add it to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and the meat mixture. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Layering Dish
  1. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Layer the remaining pasta on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious Baked Ziti with a fresh salad or garlic bread.

Notes

For vegetarian options, swap the meat with sautéed vegetables. Ensure not to overcook the pasta during boiling, and avoid too much sauce at the bottom to prevent sogginess. Baked Ziti can be prepared in advance and stored in airtight containers.