Krista’s Baked Ziti Recipe

This baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying. Layers of pasta, savory beef, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella come together to create the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a pan. Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a bit (trust me, it’ll help make serving way easier, and helps meld the flavours together). Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to hit the spot every time.

Here’s a breakdown of how baked ziti can contribute to a balanced meal:

Carbohydrates: The pasta provides a good source of carbs, which are an important energy source.
Protein: If you add meat (and use ricotta cheese, which has some protein), it will provide protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Fat: Cheese, olive oil and meats can contribute to fat. Fats are essential for providing energy, supporting cell function, aiding nutrient absorption, promoting brain health, hormone production, protecting organs, and enhancing satiety and flavor in meals.
Vegetables: The tomato sauce provides vitamins (like vitamin C and antioxidants) and fiber. If you add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce, it can increase the fiber and micronutrient content.
Calcium: The cheese offers calcium, which is important for bone health.

To make it even more balanced, you could consider Increasing fiber by using whole-grain pasta or adding more vegetables. Adding a side salad or steamed vegetables adds more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 jars marinara sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

For the Filling:

1 package ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
Dash of Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 packages of ziti pasta (if unavailable, use rigatoni or penne)
2 more cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
Make the sauce: Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning with the beef mixture. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer while you prepare the ricotta mixture.
Prepare the ricotta filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, a dash of Italian seasoning, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the casserole:
- Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce.
- Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top and spread it out evenly.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture, ending with the ricotta layer on top.
Bake: Tent the baking dish with foil and place it on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any drips). Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
Add the mozzarella topping: After 30-35 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the top of the casserole. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.