Cheesy Baked Ziti
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a warm and comforting dish combining layers of ziti pasta, marinara sauce, rich cheeses, and optional meats, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-sensitive option.
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz) Choose high-quality marinara for best flavor.
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based ricotta.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Add more cheese for extra gooeyness.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated Choose fresh grated for richer flavor.
Meat Options
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage For a vegetarian option, use roasted vegetables.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Can use fresh garlic for enhanced flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adjust based on preference.
- 1 piece egg Omit for vegan version or substitute with flaxseed mix.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to preference.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh basil For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cooking Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and do not rinse.
Cooking Meat
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Mixing Sauce
- Add the marinara sauce to the browned meat, mixing thoroughly, and let simmer for a few minutes.
Preparing Cheese Mixture
- In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assembling the Dish
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the ricotta mix. Top with half of the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Notes
Great for leftovers as flavors deepen overnight. Can prepare ahead of time and bake later.