How to Make the Perfect Baked Ziti
Italian American · Easy · 50 min · 6 servings
Baked ziti is a beloved kid friendly recipe that layers tender pasta with rich meat sauce and bubbling melted cheese for the ultimate family dinner experience. Kids love pulling apart the gooey cheese on top and parents appreciate that this easy make ahead casserole feeds a crowd without requiring any special cooking skills.
Why this recipe works
This Baked Ziti recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 550 calories with 26g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pasta and Meat Sauce
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package directions then drain and set aside. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium high heat for 7 minutes, drain the fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl combine the drained ziti with the meat sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated. Add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella and fold gently so pockets of creamy ricotta are distributed throughout without fully blending in.
Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish
Pour the entire pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top followed by an even layer of the grated parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese on top is golden and the sauce is bubbling vigorously around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground Italian sausage adds incredible flavor and is a popular kid approved variation
- ricotta cheese → cottage cheese blended smooth is a great substitute that many families prefer and often costs less
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Fully cooking the pasta before baking which results in overcooked mushy ziti after it comes out of the oven
- Skipping the foil cover during the first part of baking which dries out the top before the inside is fully heated through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 550 calories, 26g protein, 56g carbs, 24g fat, 4g fiber.
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