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Baked Ziti with Ricotta

  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Optional vegetarian

Description

A comforting baked ziti casserole layered with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and bubbling cheeses, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ziti pasta (cooked al dente)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (1 jar)
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • A few fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for about five minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce, mixing well. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Gently fold in the ricotta mixture to coat the pasta evenly.
  7. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
  8. Layer the remaining pasta mixture, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian twist. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-5 days or frozen for longer storage.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Baked Ziti, Pasta, Italian, Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Meal

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Find it online: https://homecookrecipes.net/baked-ziti-with-ricotta/