Description
This hearty baked pasta casserole combines tender ziti pasta with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready to bake the casserole evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the ziti pasta until just under al dente, then drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, large egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well mixed. This mixture will add creaminess to the layers.
- Assemble Layers – Base: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor to the base.
- Assemble Layers – Middle: Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, then spread all of the ricotta mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Assemble Layers – Top: Add the remaining pasta over the cheese layer, top with the remaining meat sauce, then evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to create a rich cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld without drying out.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use pasta cooked just under al dente to avoid mushy casserole after baking.
- Drain excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Add extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
