Ziti Casserole Delight

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Ziti Casserole Delight, a hearty, family-friendly baked pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe layers tender ziti pasta with a rich and savory meat sauce made from seasoned ground beef, Italian spices, and marinara, blended with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese. Topped with a golden-bubbly crust of mozzarella and Parmesan, this casserole is baked to perfection for maximum flavor. With its quick prep time and satisfying combination of textures and flavors, Ziti Casserole Delight is an irresistible addition to your dinner rotation. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd, this dish promises to be a hit at any table!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz ziti pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 5

Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the meat sauce. Mix until well combined.

Step 7

Spread half of the remaining meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the ziti mixture evenly on top.

Step 8

Spread the remaining meat sauce over the ziti, then sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2694.9 grams (2694.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4786

Total Fat 242.80g	311%
Saturated Fat 107.20g	536%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 783mg	261%
Sodium 7003mg	304%
Total Carbohydrate 416.40g	151%
Dietary Fiber 35.70g	128%
Total Sugars 44.70g
Protein 264.80g	530%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 4302mg	331%
Iron 31mg	171%
Potassium 1888mg	40%

*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: 44.5%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 33.9%