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A steaming dish of baked ziti dinner, perfect for busy nights

Classic Baked Ziti Dinner for Busy Nights

This classic baked ziti recipe is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines al dente ziti with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Medium Bowl
  • Large Baking Dish (9x13 inch)

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta or penne if ziti isn't available

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef you can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage
  • 1 chopped medium onion
  • 2 minced cloves garlic
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Ricotta Mixture

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley plus extra for garnish

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add ground beef to the skillet, brown it thoroughly, and drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  • Combine ricotta cheese, egg, and fresh parsley in a medium bowl until smooth.

Assembly and Baking

  • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish, then layer half of the cooked ziti over it.
  • Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
  • Top with the remaining pasta, cover with the rest of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, and garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and let it simmer for longer, or even overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini to the sauce. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.