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Close-up of baked ziti topped with ricotta cheese and meat sauce on a wooden board.

Baked Ziti with Ricotta Cheese and Meat Sauce Recipe

A comforting baked pasta dish combining ziti, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta, topped with melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 850
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 unit onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 unit egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
  2. Cook meat until browned, add onion and garlic, then simmer with marinara and Italian seasoning.
  3. Mix ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper. Layer cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture in a baking dish.
  4. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes.

Notes

Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving for best results.