Description
Ina Garten’s baked ziti delivers comforting Italian-American pasta perfection with rich layers of cheese, hearty tomato sauce, and al dente pasta. Classic ingredients merge into a crowd-pleasing casserole you cannot resist sharing with family and friends around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 pound (454 grams) dry ziti pasta
- 2 (26-ounce / 737 grams) jars of spaghetti sauce
Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 6 ounces (170 grams) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- Dried oregano or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot by filling it with water and adding a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the ziti pasta and cook for approximately 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, ensuring all water is removed.
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and finely chopped onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is completely browned and the onions are translucent, approximately 7-9 minutes. Pour in the prepared spaghetti sauce and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a lightly beaten egg. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Select a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom. Gently fold the cooked ziti pasta into the ricotta mixture. Carefully layer the ricotta-coated pasta over the sauce. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. For additional flavor, dust with dried oregano or fresh basil. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange thin slices of fresh mozzarella across the top of the casserole, creating an attractive and appetizing surface.
- Transfer the assembled ziti to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, and the entire dish is heated thoroughly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- Leftover ziti stays delicious when refrigerated and reheated carefully within 3-4 days.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese grated directly enhances the authentic Italian flavor profile.
- Whole milk ricotta creates a creamier, more luxurious texture than lower-fat alternatives.
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage work perfectly as excellent protein substitutes for beef.
- Fresh basil or oregano sprinkled on top transforms the dish with vibrant, aromatic notes.
- Letting the ziti rest after baking allows the layers to set and makes serving much smoother.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg