Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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This easy baked ziti recipe makes a perfect filling, family friendly dinner. Meats, cheeses, and pasta combine with seasoned sauce in a casserole dish to be baked into casserole perfection. Pair it with a side salad or green veggie for dinner the whole family will love!

Prep Time10

Cook Time35

Total Time45

Course: Casserole, Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings:

Calories: 539kcal

Author: Meaghan - The Quicker Kitchen

Ingredients

1 16 oz box ziti pasta
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion peeled & diced, optional
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp dried oregano
2 24 oz jars pasta sauce
4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
24 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg beaten, optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook the noodles to al dente, according to their package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
1 16 oz box ziti pasta
While the noodles are cooking, cook the ground beef, sausage, and onion in a large skillet. Cook and crumble until both are cooked through and no pink remains. Strain off any grease.
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage, 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 large yellow onion
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the pot with the cooked and drained noodles. Add the sauce and seasonings, then stir until evenly combined. Set aside
1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 2 24 oz jars pasta sauce
Add the beaten egg to the ricotta cheese, stirring to combine.
24 oz ricotta cheese, 1 egg
Spray a 9x13" baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Spread half the noodle mixture in the dish.
Add half of the ricotta and spread out in an even layer. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese evenly out over top. Repeat the layers one more time.
4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes, then serve warm & enjoy!

Notes

For easier clean up, spray the dish with non stick spray before assembling the baked ziti.
Add a beaten egg to the ricotta cheese to help keep it creamy and melted, but stable for serving.
To prevent soggy noodles, only cook the pasta until the recommended 'al dente' time. If this is still to firm for you, don't worry because the noodles will cook more and continue to soften during baking.
Only have on of the meats? That's ok, you can use all ground beef or all sausage- just make sure to strain off all the grease after cooking.

Nutrition