Emily's Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love Emily's Baked Ziti
This classic baked ziti is everything you want in a comforting pasta dinner—layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich homemade meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. Every bite is packed with comforting Italian flavors that make this recipe a guaranteed family favorite.
Whether you're cooking for Sunday dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, Emily's Baked Ziti is easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and even more delicious the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion until softened, then add the garlic. Stir in the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, parsley, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Ziti
Spread a small amount of meat sauce into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips
Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Freshly grate the mozzarella for better melting, and allow the casserole to rest before slicing so the layers hold together.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat covered until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, sautéed broccoli, antipasto salad, or homemade focaccia for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Recipe Variations
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or shredded chicken. Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables. Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or mix in provolone for an extra cheesy casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
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