Baked Ziti with Ricotta

A hearty and comforting Italian-American classic, Baked Ziti with Ricotta features tender ziti pasta baked in a rich tomato sauce with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese. It's a family-favorite dish that's easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Prep time: 7 minutes
• Cook time: 18 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and onion; cook until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Don't overcook the ziti; it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Ensure the meat sauce is well-seasoned before combining with the pasta and cheese.
• Allow the baked ziti to rest before serving to let the flavors meld and make it easier to cut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini are good substitutes for ziti. Ensure the pasta shape holds sauce well.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, sautéed with the onion and garlic.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.