Ingredients
Method
- Set the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just slightly underdone, then drain and set aside without rinsing.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion, and cook until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, half of the salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using, and cook while breaking up the meat until fully browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes before taking it off the heat.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, half of the Parmesan, and the remaining salt until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with about one cup of the meat sauce until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the sauced pasta into the baking dish, add spoonfuls of half the ricotta mixture and gently spread it, then top with one cup of meat sauce and half of the mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Let the baked ziti rest for several minutes before serving so the layers can set, then garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
This is the kind of baked pasta that fills the kitchen with the smell of comfort and brings everyone wandering in for a bite. It’s rich, familiar, and perfect for slow dinners or sharing with people you love.