The Best Baked Ziti – Classic, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing
A cheesy, layered pasta bake filled with tomato sauce and creamy ricotta.A classic Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.Comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare.Loved by kids and adults alike for its rich, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add ground meat. Cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara and tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Layer half of the pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture in the baking dish. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage for extra flavour.
- Mix ricotta with an egg for a richer texture.
- Substitute cottage cheese if ricotta isn’t available.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.