Description
This baked ziti is a rich and cheesy pasta dish layered with a savory tomato meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 lb ziti
- Meat Sauce: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 lb ground beef or turkey, 1 diced onion, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Ricotta Mixture: 1 cup ricotta, ½ cup sour cream, 1 egg, ½ cup Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Cheese Topping: 2 cups mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, 1 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add ground beef, cook until browned. Add tomatoes, sauce, and seasonings, then simmer.
- Mix ricotta, sour cream, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Layer pasta, sauce, and ricotta mixture in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered until cheese is bubbly. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap ground beef for turkey or sausage for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American