Description
A simple and comforting baked ziti dish perfect for a relaxed meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread about half of the meat sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the cooked ziti over the sauce.
- Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the ziti.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing of the ricotta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: baked ziti, easy pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta