Description
This is the best baked ziti ever recipe! Packed with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, it's the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is browned.
- Stir in marinara and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- In the greased baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, half the meat sauce, and half the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella. Top with the remaining Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prepare ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg