Description
This Best Baked Ziti Ever recipe combines a rich and flavorful homemade meat sauce with creamy cheese layers, baked to bubbly perfection. The hearty mixture of ground beef, mushrooms, and tomatoes pairs beautifully with tender ziti pasta, topped with a smooth blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan for an irresistible comfort dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 5 teaspoons minced garlic (about 5 cloves)
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 diced medium white onion and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until onions are soft, translucent, and the beef is fully cooked.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in 5 teaspoons minced garlic and 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the paste and meld flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes and 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce. Add 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low to keep warm while preparing pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Boil 1 pound of ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while assembling the dish.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 8 ounces ricotta cheese, and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta into the meat sauce and stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and meat sauce mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the baked ziti hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can omit mushrooms or substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variation.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the garlic and herbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
