Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

This cheesy baked ziti recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing pasta casserole layered with meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbly. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights or family gatherings.

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Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 40

Rest Time: 10

Total Time: 1 10

Servings: Servings

Calories: 480kcal

Cost: $14

Equipment

1 9x13 inch baking dish Ideal for even baking and layering the ziti properly
1 Large pot For boiling pasta
1 Skillet Best for browning meat and simmering the sauce
2–3 Mixing bowls For cheese mixture, holding ingredients, and prep
1 Aluminum foil Used to cover the dish during initial baking

Ingredients

Base & Sauce

1 pound ziti pasta or penne
1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
0.5 pound Italian sausage casings removed
1 large onion diced
4 cloves garlic minced
24 oz marinara sauce
14 oz crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoon tomato paste

Cheese Mixture

15 oz ricotta cheese whole milk preferred
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded; divided
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
1 large egg
2 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Boil pasta 2–3 minutes less than package instructions.
Brown beef and sausage; add onion, garlic, marinara, tomatoes, and paste; simmer 10 min.
Combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, and seasoning in bowl.
Layer pasta, sauce, cheese mixture; repeat and top with remaining mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake 20 min; uncover and bake 15–20 min more.
Let baked ziti rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition