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
- 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
-
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring you salt the water for flavor. Drain and set aside. -
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. -
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. -
Mix the Pasta and Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until evenly coated. -
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. -
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. -
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