Baked Ziti

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian Inspired, Southern

Keyword baked-ziti, baked-ziti-recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings servings (may vary)

Calories 468kcal

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Cook ziti in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven cook olive oil and onion for 2 minutes over medium high or just until softened and translucent.
Meanwhile, in a bowl season ground beef and Italian sausage with 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder and crushed red pepper flakes.
Add meat mixture to the onion in pot. Cook over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the pan.
Add marinara sauce and ziti to pot, Stir with a large spoon until evenly coated.
Assemble: Pour 1/2 into prepared dish. Dollop with 1/2 of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle ricotta with 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining ziti, dollops of ricotta and drizzle with 1 cup marinara sauce.
Sprinkle the top with reserved 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 40-45 or until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve immediately. (Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.)

Don't Overcook the Ziti - When cooking the ziti take care not to overcook it to start with and it will maintain its integrity when baking.
Protein - You can use ground chicken or ground turkey for the meat sauce. You can also use equal parts of Italian sausage and ground beef. You can also make this ziti casserole using only beef or only sausage. If you use a lean ground beef there will be less excess fat to drain from the pot before adding the remaining ingredients.
Use a Quality Jarred Marinara Sauce - The flavor of this dish is tied to the marinara sauce used. Use your favorite homemade marinara or store-bought brand and you'll be good to go.
Shred Your Own Cheese - I highly recommend taking the time to use a block of mozzarella cheese and grate it yourself. It melts more easily and the flavor of freshly grated cheese is superior.
Spice - There is just the very slightest hint of spice in the sauce as written in the recipe. If you'd like to turn up the heat add more red pepper flakes and use spicy Italian sausage.
Parmesan Cheese - I like to use fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese but you can use whatever variety you like. Pecorino Romano would also be fantastic.