Description
A classic Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring al dente pasta mixed with a rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked until bubbly and golden on top. Perfect for a comforting family meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne, or gluten-free pasta)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce
Cheese and Herbs
- 15 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining meat sauce with the chopped fresh basil, ricotta cheese, and cooked pasta. Gently stir together until everything is evenly coated with sauce and cheese.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and heated through. For a golden cheese crust, broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves before serving warm. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy pasta dish!
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a slightly lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and part-skim mozzarella.
- Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
- Broiling at the end is optional, but it adds a lovely golden crust to the cheese topping.
