Description
Golden, cheesy, and bubbling straight from the oven, this Easy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights, special gatherings, or lazy weekends. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels special every time. Packed with layers of saucy pasta, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Whether you’re on the hunt for quick dinner ideas, prepping a family-friendly meal, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this baked ziti hits every note. It’s a classic in the world of easy dinner recipes, perfect for potlucks or meal-prepping. The cheesy layers and robust tomato flavor make it impossible to resist.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Sauté diced onions in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Stir in marinara and tomato sauce along with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat and Layer: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine pasta with 2/3 of the meat sauce. Layer half in a baking dish, add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.