Description
A rich, creamy, and indulgent baked ziti recipe that layers perfectly cooked pasta with a savory meat sauce and a luscious cheese blend. This comforting classic is baked to perfection, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, then add ground beef. Cook until browned, drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix well until smooth.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the cooked ziti in the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta and top with the meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve and Savor: Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian