Baked Ziti Our Way

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with "Baked Ziti Our Way," a hearty, flavor-packed pasta casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This dish combines tender al dente ziti with a rich, homemade meat sauce simmered with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. Creamy layers of ricotta cheese, nutty Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella are beautifully baked to golden perfection, enveloping every bite with cheesy goodness. Easy to assemble in a 9x13 dish and ready in just an hour, this baked ziti recipe is a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Serve it fresh out of the oven, garnished with fresh parsley, for a weeknight dinner or a dish worthy of your next potluck. Keywords: baked ziti recipe, cheesy pasta casserole, hearty comfort food, family dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Lower the heat, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well.

Step 7

Grab a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches) and start assembling the ziti. Spoon a thin layer of sauce onto the bottom of the dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Step 8

Layer half of the cooked ziti in the dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.

Step 9

Add a generous layer of the sauce over the cheese. Repeat the layers: the remaining ziti, the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella, and a final topping of sauce.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 12

Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2604.8 grams (2604.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4685

Total Fat 223.50g	287%
Saturated Fat 101.30g	506%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 762mg	254%
Sodium 6337mg	276%
Total Carbohydrate 445.00g	162%
Dietary Fiber 42.70g	153%
Total Sugars 61.10g
Protein 267.90g	536%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 4220mg	325%
Iron 34mg	191%
Potassium 4956mg	105%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.4%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 36.6%