Beautiful Baked Ziti
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this *Beautiful Baked Ziti*, a hearty and satisfying Italian-American classic that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. This easy-to-make casserole layers tender ziti pasta with a rich, meaty sauce made from ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, and aromatic spices, creating a symphony of bold flavors. Creamy ricotta cheese, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan come together in decadent, cheesy layers that melt perfectly in the oven. Finished with a golden, bubbly top and a sprinkling of fresh parsley, this baked ziti is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just over an hour and serving 8 generously, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast!
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Ingredients
- 16 oz Ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 lb Sweet Italian sausage (casing removed)
- 1 medium Yellow onion (finely diced)
- 4 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (in a can)
- 15 oz Tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 3 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
- 3 cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions, but remove 2 minutes before al dente; the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Step 4
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 5
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Mix until smooth. Set aside.
Step 7
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 8
Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer, then repeat the layers (pasta, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat sauce). Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
Step 9
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 10
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 11
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 3611.7 grams (3611.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 6635 |
| Total Fat 366.40g | 470% |
| Saturated Fat 170.90g | 855% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.60g | |
| Cholesterol 1392mg | 464% |
| Sodium 12028mg | 523% |
| Total Carbohydrate 469.90g | 171% |
| Dietary Fiber 42.50g | 152% |
| Total Sugars 66.80g | |
| Protein 396.00g | 792% |
| Vitamin D 54IU | 269% |
| Calcium 6548mg | 504% |
| Iron 39mg | 219% |
| Potassium 4856mg | 103% |
Source of Calories