Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

This yummy ziti comes together so quick and easy. This is the perfect meal for serving a crowd. Kids and adults will all love this delicious dish!

Dec 30, 2024

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound italian sausage
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 45 ounces spaghetti sauce (I prefer Prego traditional)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 10-12 ounces grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1 pound ziti noodles, cooked and drained

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside. 
  2. Add the sausage and beef to a large skillet on medium heat. Brown the meat and drain. If you would like smaller chunks of meat, you can pulse it in the food processor for a few seconds. Return the meat to the skillet. 
  3. Add in the onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent. Mix in the spaghetti sauce and turn heat to low. 
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and 1-2 cups of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well. 
  5. Add 1/3 of the sauce mixture to the bottom of your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Add all of the noodles in an even layer over the sauce. Add 1/3 more of the sauce over the noodles. Add all of the ricotta cheese in an even layer over the sauce. Add the remaining sauce over the ricotta cheese. Cover with a layer of the mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cover and bake for 50 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 additional minutes. It is good to spray your cover with cooking spray so the cheese doesn't stick, if you are using the lid to your dish or aluminum foil. 
  7. Let cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!

*Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. 

*If you want to make this ahead of time, freeze up to 2 days in advance. Just stop after assembling your layers, then bake as directed above before serving. 

*Pair this with Italian Salad and Garlic Bread for a delicious meal!

Serves: 6-8