Discover the ultimate Baked Ziti recipe, a hearty and satisfying pasta casserole perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. This recipe features tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, layered with seasoned ground beef and parmesan cheese. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, a freezer-friendly meal, or a crowd-pleaser for parties, this easy baked ziti casserole checks all the boxes. Customize it with gluten-free pasta, swap beef for turkey or sausage, or make it vegetarian for a meatless option.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta, or penne pasta (use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz fresh ricotta
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Cook the Meat: In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a ladle of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Stir chopped basil and ricotta into the remaining sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the noodles while keeping the ricotta texture intact.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the casserole dish. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake: Clear the edges of the pan so the cheese doesn’t burn onto the dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. To brown the cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: This Baked Ziti is a classic pasta casserole, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, it’s a hassle-free dish that’s ready in under an hour.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap out ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or a vegetarian alternative.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or another plant-based protein to make this casserole vegetarian.
- Cheese Variations: You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or use a different type of shredded cheese, such as provolone or gouda, for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Baked Ziti the day before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Can I freeze Baked Ziti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls for a complete meal.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the richness of the ziti.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Baked Ziti as a comforting, satisfying meal the whole family will love!
Baked Ziti (Easy Pasta Casserole)
10
servings20
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1 lb ziti pasta, or penne pasta (use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option)
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
5 cups marinara sauce
15 oz fresh ricotta
10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Cook the Meat: In a deep pan or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a ladle of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Stir chopped basil and ricotta into the remaining sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the noodles while keeping the ricotta texture intact.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the casserole dish. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake: Clear the edges of the pan so the cheese doesn’t burn onto the dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes. To brown the cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired.
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