This cheesy baked ziti is a classic casserole dinner recipe that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. You’ll love this comforting dish, perfect for family meals or sharing with friends. It’s an ideal choice when you need an easy yet delicious casserole dinner recipe.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ziti Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work well if you don’t have ziti.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade.
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese is a good substitute for a different texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone can be used for a sharper flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Asiago cheese is a tasty alternative.
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles are great alternatives.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-550 (varies based on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish, mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. This is a crucial step for your cheesy casserole dinner recipe.
4. Assemble the Ziti
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Top the ziti with dollops of the ricotta mixture, spreading it out evenly.
5. Finish Layering
Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, and cheeses.
6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. This casserole dinner recipe will smell amazing.
Variation Ideas:
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for extra vegetables.
- Use Italian sausage (chicken or turkey) instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Mix in some chopped fresh basil or parsley before baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This casserole dinner recipe freezes well too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- What kind of ziti should I use?
Any type of ziti pasta works well; look for regular or ridged ziti. Penne or rigatoni are also excellent substitutes for this casserole dinner recipe.
- How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the ziti until it’s just al dente (slightly firm) before baking. It will continue to cook in the oven.
- Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to the marinara sauce.
- Why is my baked ziti watery?
Ensure you drain the pasta very well and also drain any excess fat from the ground beef. Using whole milk ricotta can also help with consistency.
- Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled and unbaked, or baked and cooled ziti. Wrap it tightly in foil and then plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.