Classic Baked Ziti Casserole

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food made with pasta, a rich tomato-meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This hearty casserole is easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella makes every bite irresistible.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

1 lb ziti pasta or penne
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
24 oz marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley chopped

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté 3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until well coated.
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 30gFat: 23g

Notes

You can make this casserole ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

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