Baked Ziti Recipe
Make Baked Ziti Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Sauce
Protein & Aromatics
Cheeses & Binder
Finish & Garnish
Method
Pasta & Sauce
- 1
Preheat and prepare pasta
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tbsp salt per 4–6 quarts water). Add 1 lb ziti and cook until very al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions (usually 8–9 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- 2
Combine sauce
While pasta cooks, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, 4–5 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking up, until browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Pour in 4 cups marinara sauce and 1 cup reserved pasta water; bring to a simmer and cook 3–5 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
Cheese Mixture
- 3
Mix ricotta filling
In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups whole-milk ricotta, 1 beaten egg, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or basil), and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Season lightly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Assemble & Bake
- 4
Combine pasta, sauce and ricotta
In a large bowl or the empty pasta pot, add the drained ziti to the skillet with the simmering meat sauce (or transfer sauce to the pot). Stir to combine so pasta is evenly coated. Dollop ricotta mixture over the sauced pasta and gently fold a few times to distribute pockets of ricotta (do not overmix; you want ribbons of cheese). If mixture seems very thick, add up to 1/2 cup more reserved pasta water to loosen.
- 5
Layer in baking dish
Lightly oil a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish. Spread half of the sauced pasta into the dish. Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella evenly over the first layer. Add remaining pasta, then top with the remaining 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons extra grated Parmesan.
- 6
Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are slightly browned. If you prefer a more browned top, set the oven to broil and broil 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.
- 7
Rest and garnish
Remove from oven and let rest 8–10 minutes so sauce sets and it’s easier to slice. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil if using and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top before serving.