Description
A classic, comforting baked ziti dish featuring layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tantalizing herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Layer the ingredients in a large baking dish starting with half of the pasta. Pour half of the meat sauce over it, followed by the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle on a cup of mozzarella.
- Cover with the remaining pasta and meat sauce, then top with the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
- Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is gooey and golden.
Notes
Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes before slicing for easier servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg