Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole
A hearty, comforting baked ziti casserole with layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- To taste salt and pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Optional fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese until evenly combined.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
To make this ahead, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.