Description

A hearty and comforting baked ziti dish layered with flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey cheese—perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

Salt and black pepper, to taste

4 cups spaghetti sauce

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

15 ounces ricotta cheese

2 large eggs

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 pound ziti pasta, uncooked

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sauté chopped onion for 5–7 minutes until translucent. Reduce heat to medium-low, add garlic, and cook until fragrant.
Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in spaghetti sauce and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Simmer briefly to combine flavors.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, nutmeg, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
In a 13×9-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add half the cooked pasta, half the remaining meat sauce, and half the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers.
Cover with foil and place the dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes.
Uncover, top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella, and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Substitute Italian sausage for beef for deeper flavor.
Add spinach or sautéed vegetables to the ricotta mixture.
Use cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Freeze before baking for make-ahead convenience.
Let it rest before serving for best results.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 105mg