This baked ziti recipe brings together tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese for the ultimate Italian comfort food. Perfect for cozy autumn dinners and anyone craving a classic cheesy pasta bake.
Yields6 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time55 mins
400gZiti pasta
2tbspOlive oil
300gGround beef (or Italian sausage)
1Onion, finely chopped
3Garlic cloves, minced
700mlTomato sauce
2tbspTomato paste
1tspDried oregano
1tspDried basil
1tspSalt
½tspBlack pepper
250gRicotta cheese
200gMozzarella cheese, shredded
50gParmesan cheese, grated
1tbspFresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and ground beef, and cook until browned.
3
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the tomato sauce. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly.
5
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat the layers and finish with cheese on top.
6
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings
Serving size
Amount per serving
Calories520
% Daily Value *
Total Fat24g31%
Total Carbohydrate46g17%
Protein28g
* The % Daily Value (DV) 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.
Ingredients
400gZiti pasta
2tbspOlive oil
300gGround beef (or Italian sausage)
1Onion, finely chopped
3Garlic cloves, minced
700mlTomato sauce
2tbspTomato paste
1tspDried oregano
1tspDried basil
1tspSalt
½tspBlack pepper
250gRicotta cheese
200gMozzarella cheese, shredded
50gParmesan cheese, grated
1tbspFresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and ground beef, and cook until browned.
3
Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the tomato sauce. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly.
5
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat the layers and finish with cheese on top.
6
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
