Baked Ziti with Ricotta
A hearty and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and a golden mozzarella topping. This classic Italian-American casserole is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners.
For 8 servings
Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. The pasta should still have a firm bite.
- Drain the pasta well in a colander. Do not rinse it.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until it is browned all over, about 8-10 minutes.
- Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Mix the Ricotta Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup), and the chopped fresh parsley.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Add the drained, cooked ziti to the pot with the meat sauce. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated.
- Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Dollop the ricotta mixture by the spoonful over the pasta layer. It does not need to be a perfect, even layer.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups).
- Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) over the top.
Bake the Ziti
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown in spots.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This is crucial for allowing the casserole to set.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor and creamiest texture, use whole milk ricotta and low-moisture mozzarella. Avoid part-skim varieties.
- 2Do not overcook the pasta in the initial boiling step. It will continue to cook in the oven, and starting with al dente pasta prevents it from becoming mushy.
- 3Letting the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is essential. It allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve clean, intact portions.
- 4For the best melting cheese, buy a block of low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting.
- 5The meat sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will be even better.
- 6To freeze, assemble the entire casserole in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the ground beef and sausage. Sauté 1 lb of chopped mushrooms, 1 chopped zucchini, and 1 chopped bell pepper with the onion until tender. You can also add a 15-oz can of rinsed lentils to the sauce for extra protein.
SpicierSpicier
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, and increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or more, according to your preference.
Three CheeseThree-Cheese
Add 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese to the mozzarella for a more complex and sharp cheese flavor.
Lighter VersionLighter Version
Use ground turkey instead of beef, part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, and add finely chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With ground beef, sausage, and three types of cheese, this dish is packed with protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
The generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese make this a great source of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth.
Provides Sustained Energy
The pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly by the body to offer a steady and sustained release of energy.
Source of Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes in the sauce are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to various health benefits.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this rich baked ziti contains approximately 750-850 calories. The exact number can vary based on the fat content of your meat and the specific brands of cheese used.