Description
This classic baked ziti recipe features a rich and hearty meat sauce with Italian sausage and ground beef, combined with tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, baked to bubbling perfection for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 whole large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes, with juice
- 2 (14.5-oz.) cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz. ziti or mostaccioli, cooked until not quite al dente
- 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
- 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for several minutes until they start to soften. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned, then drain off most of the fat, leaving a small amount for flavor and moisture.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the whole tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir to combine and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes to develop flavor. After simmering, remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce into a bowl and let it cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir together only a few times so the mixture remains slightly lumpy.
- Combine Pasta with Cheese and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Add the pasta to the bowl with the cheese mixture and gently toss to coat, keeping some lumps of ricotta. Then add the cooled meat sauce to the pasta and toss again to combine evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the coated pasta mixture into a large casserole dish. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the remaining grated mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers once more with the rest of the pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Ziti: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti stand for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Ree Drummond’s baked ziti is a family favorite that offers the comforting flavors of lasagna but is easier and quicker to prepare.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, then baked fresh when ready to serve.
- For a spicier kick, adjust the red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
- Using part-skim mozzarella can reduce the fat content if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 667
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1164 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg
