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best ever baked ziti
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best ever baked ziti

Best Ever Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food casserole—a cheesy, saucy, baked pasta dish that's as satisfying as it is simple. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend bake together into bubbling perfection. It’s everything you want in a cozy dinner and ideal for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: dinner
Calories: 470
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
  4. In a large baking dish, layer as follows:
  5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom
  6. Half of the cooked pasta
  7. Half of the ricotta mixture
  8. Half of the mozzarella
  9. Repeat with remaining pasta, ricotta, and meat sauce
  10. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan over everything
  11. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish before baking or after fully cooked. Thaw and reheat in oven.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until hot.