Description
A hearty, oven-baked pasta dish layered with rich tomato meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese—perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or halal chicken sausage, casings removed
- 2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
- 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, chili flakes, and oregano.
- Pour in tomato sauce and water. Simmer for 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix remaining sauce with cooked pasta.
- Spoon half the pasta into the dish. Dot with half the ricotta and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Add the rest of the pasta, remaining ricotta, and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Mix mozzarella into the pasta for a creamier texture.
- Let the dish rest after baking for cleaner slices.
- Great for meal prep and freezing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
