Baked Ziti with Ricotta (The Ultimate Comfort Dish!)
This Baked Ziti is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting Italian-American pasta dish. Made with tender ziti, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, it’s the perfect meal for weeknights or gatherings. Customize it with ground beef or sausage for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar 24 ounces marinara or pasta sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the ziti according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Meat (Optional): If you’re using ground meat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. If you’re using ground meat, add it to the mixture. Then, add in the marinara sauce and mix everything together.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring gently to coat all the pasta in the cheesy sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the second layer of pasta and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the ziti from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to cut.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, you don’t want it to be overcooked before assembling the dish. Al dente pasta is key to ensuring it maintains its texture in the oven.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella has a superior melt and flavor compared to the pre-shredded version. If possible, opt for fresh mozzarella for the best results.
Layer the Cheese: For that perfect cheesy top, don’t be afraid to layer your cheeses. The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan creates the ultimate cheesy experience.
Make It Ahead: This dish can easily be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the baked ziti, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to bake, just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled dish.