Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Recipe
This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is an easy pasta recipe that layers ziti with ricotta and homemade tomato-meat sauce. This make-ahead friendly dish is a great crowd pleaser that freezes well.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28-ounce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin optional
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup fresh basil torn
For the pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
To Assemble The Baked Ziti:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese homemade or store bought
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To make the meat sauce: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often. You would have to break the large pieces of meat as it is cooking.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they are translucent, 7-8 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring it to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, 10-12 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- Cook the pasta: In the meantime, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and ziti. Cook until it is al dente, 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- To assemble: Spread a thin layer (approximately 3-4 tablespoons) of the meat sauce at the bottom of a large (oven-proof) casserole dish (both 9X13 or 9X11 would work). Place half of the ziti onto the sauce and spread it all over the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the meat and tomato sauce over it. Place 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese in dollops evenly on the meat sauce.
- Spread the remaining ziti evenly as a second layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ziti and spread evenly using a spatula. Spread the rest of the ricotta cheese in dollops on top. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake it (uncovered) in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese on top turns golden brown.
- Sprinkle it with fresh parsley and serve.
Video
Notes
- Yields: This baked ziti recipe serves 6 people. The nutritional values below are per serving.
- Storing leftovers: Bring them to room temperature, place them in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: I recommend freezing it before baking the dish. To do so, bring the baked ziti to room temperature and tightly cover the casserole dish with stretch film and aluminum foil tightly to prevent freezer burn. Keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, a day before you are ready to serve. Bake it as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that it might take just a few minutes longer, but you are good to go once the cheese is golden brown.
Nutrition
Calories: 657kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 1768mg | Potassium: 795mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1738IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 234mg | Iron: 3mg
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