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baked ziti recipe Brick-Red Baked Ziti With Basil Confetti
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This classic baked ziti recipe features sturdy ziti pasta, a hearty ground beef and tomato sauce, and creamy layers of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a satisfying and family-friendly main course ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner, or lean ground turkey/plant-based crumble)
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano suggested)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture part-skim)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown The Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef (or alternative) over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat.
- Build The Sauce: Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened for about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in tomato paste, oregano, crushed tomatoes, 0.5 cup water, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Cook The Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil ziti according to package directions, cooking 2 minutes less than al dente. Drain well.
- Assemble Layers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer half of the cooked ziti, then half of the ricotta in dollops, half of the remaining sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake To Bubbly Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, use lean ground turkey or a plant-based crumble. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal. Dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella can be swapped for a vegan version, and skipping the beef makes it vegetarian. If the sauce is bland, adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar. If cheese isn’t browning sufficiently, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg