Description
This classic baked ziti combines al dente pasta with a savory smoked beef and ricotta mixture, layered under gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. The tomato‑based sauce infused with Italian seasoning creates a rich, comforting flavor, while the cheese topping turns golden and bubbly in the oven. Perfect for family meals, this easy casserole delivers hearty Italian comfort in under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or crowd‑pleasing potluck dish. Serve with a green salad and garlic breadnow.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup smoked beef
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta until al dente, drain.
- In a bowl combine marinara sauce, smoked beef, ricotta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta with sauce mixture.
- Layer half of the mixture in a greased baking dish, sprinkle half of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add remaining mixture and top with remaining cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool 5 minutes, garnish with basil if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version
- add red pepper flakes to the sauce. The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Baked Ziti Recipe, easy baked ziti, Italian casserole recipe, how to make baked ziti, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, quick pasta dishes