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The Best Ever Baked Ziti: Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

A hearty slice of baked ziti pasta layered with rich meat sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on a white plate.
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Create the ultimate comfort food with this easy Baked Ziti recipe. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella bake into a satisfying Italian American classic perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (or ground beef)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (24 ounce) jars quality marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until combined. This is your creamy cheese layer.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with half of the meat sauce. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly.
  8. Spread half of the sauced pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
  10. Spread the remaining half of the sauced pasta mixture over the ricotta layer.
  11. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of pasta.
  12. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.
  13. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden brown.
  14. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before you slice and serve it.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer a less rich dish, substitute the whole milk ricotta with part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese.
  • You can use store-bought marinara sauce, but using a good quality jarred sauce makes a difference in the final flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/best-baked-ziti-recipe-comfort-food/