Baked Ziti

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.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 600 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
2 cloves - garlic
½ - white onion
1 tablespoon - olive oil
1 pound - ground beef
⅛ - Salt and pepper
1 jar - tomato sauce
½ cup - ricotta cheese
⅛ - Fresh basil leaves
1 cup - mozzarella cheese

Instructions

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