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Baked Ziti Secrets: Easy Dinner That Wows Every Time!

Baked Ziti Secrets: Easy Dinner That Wows Every Time!


  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Classic baked ziti layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella an easy, comforting Italian-American pasta bake perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ziti pasta

1 tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

3 cups marinara sauce

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup sour cream or cottage cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.

4. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.

5. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream (if using), half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.

6. Add cooked ziti to the sauce and stir to combine.

7. Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish, top with ricotta mixture, then layer the remaining pasta.

8. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.

9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking — just add 10 minutes to bake time.

Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: baked ziti, pasta bake, easy Italian dinner, cheesy casserole, family meal