Description
Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting Italian American classic featuring tender ziti pasta baked in a rich meat and marinara sauce, layered with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering a satisfying cheesy, savory dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, shredded provolone, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until evenly combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the prepared meat sauce. Then gently fold in the cheese mixture until it is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the combined pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top for a golden, melty crust.
- Bake: Bake the ziti uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- You can assemble the baked ziti up to one day in advance and refrigerate it before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- If the top cheese browns too quickly in the oven, cover the baking dish loosely with foil halfway through cooking to prevent burning.
