Description
Looking for the best baked ziti casserole recipe? This one is easy, quick, and simple – perfect for family dinners or potlucks! A healthy twist with hearty ingredients and cheesy layers, this comforting dish is one of the best ideas for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion in olive oil, then add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned and season with salt and pepper.
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, and some Parmesan.
- Layer sauce, pasta, ricotta mix, repeat, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 more minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use penne if ziti isn’t available.
- Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms between layers.
- Mix sausage with beef for added flavor.
- Let it rest before slicing for cleaner portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg