Baked Ziti
About this recipe
Baked ziti is a hearty, cheesy pasta casserole that combines the comforting flavors of lasagna with the ease of a one-dish meal. This version is packed with ground beef, marinara sauce, and three types of cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
In this video by Natasha's Kitchen, you'll learn how to create a delicious baked ziti that’s not only simple to prepare but also perfect for make-ahead meals. It's saucy, cheesy, and sure to satisfy your hunger.
Ingredient notes
- You can substitute ziti with penne or any tube-shaped pasta.
Tips from Natashas Kitchen’s video
- To prevent pasta from sticking, stir it occasionally while cooking in boiling water.
- Do not rinse the pasta after draining; this helps the sauce adhere better to the noodles.
- Layering the casserole with cheese on top creates a beautiful golden crust and seals in moisture.
Good to know
- How long does it take to bake the ziti?
- Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
- What type of pasta can I use for this recipe?
- You can use ziti or penne, or any tube-shaped pasta.
- How many servings does this recipe yield?
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, this baked ziti can be made ahead and reheats beautifully.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Natashas Kitchen: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Cook the ziti pasta in well salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- 3
Grate the Parmesan cheese and shred the mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
- 4
In a pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 6
Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes before turning off the heat.
- 7
Drain the cooked pasta and do not rinse it. Set aside.
- 8
Spread a ladle of meat sauce over the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 9
Add chopped basil to the meat sauce and mix well.
- 10
Spoon the ricotta cheese over the meat sauce and gently stir until lightly combined.
- 11
Add the drained pasta to the meat sauce and stir gently until all noodles are coated.
- 12
Layer half of the pasta mixture in the casserole dish, then top with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- 13
Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- 14
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for a couple of minutes for a golden crust if desired.
- 15
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Natashas Kitchen’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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