Baked Ziti
Beefy, cheesy, saucy baked ziti pasta casserole with marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
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Natashas Kitchen- •1 pound Ziti pastaor penne/other tube-shaped pasta
- •2 tablespoons Saltfor salting pasta water (about)
- •1 medium Onionchopped
- •2 large Garlic clovesminced
- •1 cup Parmesan cheesegrated
- •12 ounces Mozzarella cheeseshredded
- •1 tablespoon Olive oilfor sautéing
- •1 pound Ground beef
- •1 teaspoon Saltfor seasoning meat sauce
- •1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- •5 cups Marinara saucehomemade or store-bought
- •10 leaves Fresh basil leaves(optional)chopped; plus more for garnish
- •15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
5 min
- 2
Cook ziti in well-salted boiling water (about 2 tbsp salt) according to package directions until al dente; stir after adding pasta to prevent sticking.
10 min
- 3
While pasta cooks, chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate Parmesan, and shred mozzarella.
10 min
- 4
Heat olive oil in a pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion; cook 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until beef is cooked through and onions are softened.
6 min
- 5
Add minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
1 min
- 6
Add marinara sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes; turn off heat.
5 min
- 7
Drain pasta in a colander and do not rinse.
2 min
- 8
Spread a ladle of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Stir chopped basil into the meat sauce (optional).
2 min
- 9
Spoon ricotta over the meat sauce and gently stir just until lightly combined (leave some texture).
2 min
- 10
Add drained hot pasta to the sauce and stir gently until noodles are well coated.
2 min
- 11
Transfer half of the saucy pasta to the casserole dish. Top with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
3 min
- 12
Add remaining pasta. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
3 min
- 13
Bake in the center of the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
25 min
- 14
Broil for a couple minutes to brown the top, if desired.
2 min
- 15
Rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil if desired.
10 min
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