Description
This easy baked ziti recipe features tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or meal prep, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce by cooking the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, then cook until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the pasta with the sauce in a large bowl.
- Assemble the ziti by layering half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish, followed by dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American