Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian American dish that originated from Italian immigrants adapting traditional recipes to the ingredients and tastes available in the United States. The dish typically features ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and sometimes ground meat. While ziti itself is an Italian pasta shape, the concept of baking pasta dishes is rooted in Italian cuisine, particularly in regions like Campania and Lazio. Over time, baked ziti evolved into a popular comfort food, especially in Italian American communities, and is often served at family gatherings and celebrations. The dish’s combination of hearty ingredients and its easy preparation make it a beloved staple in many households across the U.S.
Ingredients
Pasta
12 oz ziti or penne pasta
Meat Sauce
1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil water in a large pot and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
In a large baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining ziti and ricotta mixture.
Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked ziti!
Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients, such as vegetables or different types of cheese!
Enjoy!
Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good pasta page.
Baked Ziti