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Creamy Baked Ziti with Ricotta – 5 Secret Tips for Perfect Pasta

baked ziti with ricotta
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A hearty and cheesy baked ziti with ricotta, featuring layers of pasta, meat sauce, and three types of cheese for a lasagna-style comfort dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional, for extra chunky sauce)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 Tbsp chopped parsley or 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
  • Optional topping: dried oregano or Italian seasoning for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook ziti in well-salted boiling water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package). Drain.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.
  6. Assemble: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the dish. Add half the ziti, then dollop/spread half the ricotta mixture, sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella, then add more sauce. Repeat with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and top with remaining 2 cups mozzarella.
  7. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  8. Rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage.
  • Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti with ricotta, baked ziti recipe, baked ziti with meat sauce, easy pasta casserole, lasagna-style baked ziti, mozzarella pasta bake

Find it online: https://mealcooked.com/baked-ziti-with-ricotta-recipe/