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Weeknight Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Nights

Weeknight Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Nights

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Pasta
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

A quick, comforting dinner perfect for busy nights, this Weeknight Baked Ziti is filled with tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal that’s simple to make and full of flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

 

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring you salt the water for flavor. Drain and set aside.

  2. Brown the Meat:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

  3. Combine the Sauce:
    Add marinara sauce to the meat, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  4. Mix the Pasta and Sauce:
    In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until evenly coated.

  5. Layer the Ziti:
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, top with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

  6. Bake to Perfection:
    Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.


Notes

  • Make it ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight. Add an extra 10 minutes to baking time if refrigerated.
  • Use ricotta for extra creaminess: Add a layer of ricotta cheese in the middle for a richer texture.
  • Add veggies: Consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak in some extra veggies.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450-500
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 600-800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70-90mg