Description
Experience the heartwarming flavors of baked ziti—a comforting dish layered with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces ziti pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free if desired)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up large chunks. Add minced garlic during the last minute.
- Pour in marinara sauce, stir well, and let it simmer for about five minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize your baked ziti by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or using different cheeses. For leftovers, store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.