Classic Baked Ziti
Traditional dish · Italian-American
A quintessential Italian-American comfort food featuring ziti pasta baked in a rich meat sauce with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
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Ingredients
- Ziti pasta1 pound
- Ground beef1 pound
- Onion, chopped1 medium
- Garlic, minced3 cloves
- Crushed tomatoes28 ounces
- Tomato paste6 ounces
- Ricotta cheese15 ounces
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded2 cups
- Parmesan cheese, grated1/2 cup
- Egg1 large
- Fresh parsley, chopped1/4 cup
- Olive oil2 tablespoons
- Saltto taste
- Black pepperto taste
Steps
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- 3
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with about half of the meat sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir to coat.
- 7
Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti.
- 8
Layer the remaining ziti mixture over the ricotta. Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- 9
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
