Here’s a comforting and cheesy classic: Baked Ziti with Ricotta—layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella. It’s the ultimate cozy casserole. 🍅🧀🍝
🍽️ Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for meat version)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (optional, for extra sauciness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
- Add ground meat (if using) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Mix the Ricotta Layer:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce.
- Add half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture (dolloped), more sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat layers. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
Would you like a rustic, melty cheese-topped photo of this baked ziti dish? I can generate one that captures the layers and gooey goodness perfectly!
