Baked ziti iv –If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dish to impress your family or guests, look no further than this Easy Baked Ziti recipe. This classic Italian-American dish combines pasta, cheese, and a rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for any occasion. Below, you will find the details needed to create this delectable meal.
Easy Baked Ziti
This Easy Baked Ziti is loaded with flavor and is exceptionally simple to whip up. Its cheesy goodness and hearty texture make it a favorite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients
- 1 pound of ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 3 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture. Add ricotta cheese and 2 cups of mozzarella, and mix until well combined.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the ziti uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
This Easy Baked Ziti recipe is not only satisfying but also a wonderful way to gather everyone around the dining table, enjoying the rich flavors and warm ambiance of a home-cooked meal.