Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce, well-seasoned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage; break it up and brown until cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in 3 cups marinara sauce and let the meat sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, the egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, half of the shredded mozzarella, the ricotta mixture, and the meat marinara. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Spoon half the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a little of the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella. Add the rest of the ziti, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and heated through. If you want a browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets and slices nicely.
Notes
Use slightly undercooked pasta to prevent mushiness. Drain excess grease after browning meat. Let rest before serving for better slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian