Description
This comforting baked ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, brimming with rich, savory flavors and a delightful cheesy topping. Tender pasta, a hearty meat sauce, and a blanket of melted cheese make this baked ziti a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
16 oz dried ziti pasta see chef tips #2
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb. ground sausage hot or mild/sweet
4 cloves garlic minced
32 oz marinara sauce I like to use Rao’s brand
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese divided
minced fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prep your dish Preheat your oven to 350F and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. Cook the pasta Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the ziti pasta until almost al dente, then drain.
3. Brown the sausage Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage, crumbling it, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
4. Add the sauce Return the sausage to the skillet, add garlic, then pour in the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Combine Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce.
6. Layer and bake Place half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish, top with half of the mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses, then repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbly.
7. Rest and serve Let it cool for 5-10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve!
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the ground beef is nicely browned. This adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Use Fresh Herbs (Optional): If you have them, fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor. Stir in a handful towards the end of the sauce simmering time.
Let it Rest: Let the baked ziti sit for a few minutes after baking. This allows the dish to set up a bit and makes serving easier.
Prep Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian