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A steaming dish of baked ziti pasta dinner, rich with cheese and sauce.

Classic Baked Ziti Pasta Dinner

This classic baked ziti recipe features a rich meat sauce, perfectly cooked ziti pasta, and creamy ricotta cheese, all baked to golden perfection under a layer of bubbly mozzarella. It's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

Marinara Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 pound ziti pasta or similar tube-shaped pasta like penne
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese whole milk for best creaminess
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped plus extra for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauce Preparation

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot, then sauté chopped onion until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Brown the ground beef or sausage in the pot, breaking it up and draining any excess fat.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assembly and Baking

  • Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente, then drain.
  • Combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Spread 1 cup of meat sauce, then half of the par-cooked ziti, and dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella, then pour half of the remaining meat sauce over it.
  • Add the remaining ziti and meat sauce, then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  • Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can increase the simmering time of the sauce to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. This dish freezes well; bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.