Classic Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Classic Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

This classic baked pasta dish is everything you want in a weeknight comfort meal—hearty, saucy, and layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 2 minutes less than package directions (it will cook more in the oven). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the sauce:
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
   Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes.
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
4. Make the ricotta mixture:
   In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Assemble the baked ziti:
   • Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Add half of the pasta, then spoon half of the ricotta mixture on top.
   • Sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
   • Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella.
   • Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
6. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Rest and serve:
   Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Serving Tips

Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for the ultimate comfort meal.