Baked Ziti Recipe: The Ultimate Classic Comfort Food
This hearty baked ziti features tender ziti pasta, a rich beef marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Ideal for family meals, this Italian-American casserole delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, as it will cook further in the oven. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and spices (garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper). Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper to season.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce to coat the bottom.
Layer half the ziti pasta on top, followed by half the ricotta mixture, then half the meat sauce.
Repeat with another layer of ziti, meat sauce, and the remaining ricotta mixture.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional parmesan over it.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.