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Best Baked Ziti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this best baked ziti recipe. Featuring layers of tender ziti pasta enveloped in rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish promises a delightful explosion of flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, it brings everyone together effortlessly. Easy to prepare and fully customizable, feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Bake until golden and bubbly for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
  2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, brown ground beef or sausage; drain excess fat and add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix ricotta with half a cup of mozzarella and fresh basil.
  5. Layer half the pasta in the baking dish, followed by half the meat sauce, then all the cheese mixture, remaining pasta and meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Notes

For added flavor, substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based proteins.
Incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms between layers for extra nutrition.
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

  • Author: Marlene
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: For added flavor, substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based proteins. Incorporate vegetables like spinach or mushrooms between layers for extra nutrition. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.