Description
Discover how to make the best, easy Baked Ziti with Ricotta Cheese with our step-by-step recipe. Perfect for a delicious family dinner, this dish promises amazing flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water or dry red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 3 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 2. Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened (5-7 mins). Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground meat, breaking it up, and cook until no pink remains. Drain fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes/marinara, water/wine, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered for 20-30 minutes.
- 3. Make Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, chopped parsley (if using), a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 4. Assemble Ziti: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with half of the cooked ziti, then half of the ricotta mixture (dolloped and spread), 1.5 cups meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella/Parmesan. Repeat layers. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 5. Bake to Perfection: Cover dish loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- 6. Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins