Traditional Baked Ziti

Traditional Baked Ziti is a hearty and satisfying Italian-American pasta dish, combining al dente ziti with a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef

2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Boil the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

4. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.

5. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and basil, and simmer for 10 minutes.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.

7. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

Scan for cooking tips & leave a review!

itsonly.recipes/view/traditional-baked-ziti

This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.