Online Cook
  • LS

11 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This classic baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It starts with tender pasta cooked to al dente perfection, combined with a rich tomato and beef sauce, ricotta cheese, and fresh basil. Topped with gooey mozzarella and baked until golden, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you're feeding a group or craving leftovers, this baked ziti delivers warm, nostalgic flavors every time. Customize with extra veggies or spices if you'd like, but the base recipe is beautifully balanced as-is.

Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4

Ingredients

servings
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

1
|
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
|
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3
|
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
4
|
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
5
|
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the ricotta cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
6
|
Add cooked pasta and torn basil leaves to the sauce and mix well.
7
|
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8
|
Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
9
|
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Pasta Water Magic 💧
    Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps bind the sauce and creates a silkier texture in your baked ziti.
  • Cheese Layer Strategy 🧀
    Create distinct cheese layers by spreading ricotta first, then dotting with mozzarella, which prevents the cheeses from completely blending and maintains textural contrast.
  • Moisture Control Technique 🔪
    Pat ground beef completely dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent excess water from making your sauce watery.
  • Flavor Depth Hack 🌶️
    Toast your dried herbs (like basil or oregano) in the pan with olive oil for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to intensify their aromatic compounds.
  • Crispy Top Secret 🔥
    Finish the baked ziti under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds incredible texture and visual appeal.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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