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Slice of creamy baked ziti showing layers of pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and melted cheese
Isaac blogger

Creamy Oven-Baked Ziti

Creamy Oven-Baked Ziti is a comforting, family-style pasta bake made with tender ziti, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Easy to prepare, great for make-ahead meals, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta & Protein
  • 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • Aromatics & Sauce
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 jars (24–26 oz each) marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Cheese Layer
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
  4. Cook the ziti in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat.
  6. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and dried herbs until fragrant.
  7. Pour in the marinara sauce, season lightly with salt and pepper, and simmer briefly to combine flavors.
  8. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and beaten egg until smooth.
  9. Spread a portion of the cooked pasta into the prepared baking dish.
  10. Add a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
  11. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
  12. Cover the dish with foil and bake 25–30 minutes until hot throughout.
    Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
  13. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
  14. Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest about 10 minutes before serving so the layers can set.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become too soft when baked.
  • Brown meat fully and drain excess fat before adding sauce.
  • Cover while baking to prevent drying.
  • Let the dish rest 10 minutes before serving so layers set.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat until hot throughout.