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A steaming dish of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Baked Ziti

A comforting and classic Italian-American dish, Baked Ziti is a perfect meal for gatherings, promising a delightful culinary experience.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
Sauce
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef optional
Cheese
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Other
  • 1 egg
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • salt
  • black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • large bowl
  • baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. If using, brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
Assembly
  1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
  2. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  3. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and cheeses, ensuring the top layer is generously covered with cheese.
Baking
  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  3. Let the Baked Ziti rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For an extra rich flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the marinara sauce.