This hearty, crowd-pleasing pasta bake is loaded with layers of zesty tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked ziti. It’s comfort food at its best—ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping ahead.
🍴 Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
🔥 Instructions
Boil the Pasta:
Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Simmer the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for 15–20 minutes to develop flavor.
Assemble the Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with most of the sauce (reserve about 1 cup). In a 9×13″ baking dish, spread a thin layer of the reserved sauce, then layer half the pasta, dollop ricotta over the top, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan, and repeat. Finish with remaining sauce and cheese.
Bake It Up:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you bake the ultimate Baked Ziti
- 🍲 9×13″ Ceramic Baking Dish – Perfect for even heating and presentation straight to the table.
- 🧀 Cheese Grater with Storage Container – Quickly grate mozzarella, Parmesan, or any cheese mess-free.
- 🔪 Nonstick Skillet for Sauces & Meat – Essential for browning meat and simmering that rich tomato sauce.
- 🧄 Garlic Press Tool – Stainless Steel – Get fresh garlic flavor in every dish without the mess.
- 🌿 Italian Herb Blend Grinder – For the freshest finish to your tomato-based sauces.
- 🥄 Pasta Server Spoon – Heat-Resistant – Helps scoop and serve pasta with ease and elegance.
💡 Helpful Tip: Want an extra-crispy cheese topping? Broil the baked ziti for 2–3 minutes after baking—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
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