Best Ever Baked Ziti
If you’re in search of a comforting dish that brings the whole family together, look no further than Best Ever Baked Ziti. This hearty casserole is layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Imagine serving a bubbling dish straight from the oven, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that invite everyone to the table. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this baked ziti recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, then drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix drained pasta with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and fresh basil.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce at the bottom, followed by half of the cheesy pasta mixture. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Find it online: https://mrrecipes.net/best-ever-baked-ziti/