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Nicole's Best Baked Ziti

Cost $20, save $30

Source: Recommended by CookGo

  • 50 Min
  • 8 Servings
  • $20

INGREDIENTS

  • Pasta

    • 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
  • Meat

    • ¾ pound ground Italian sausage
    • ¾ pound ground sirloin
  • Vegetables

    • 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Dairy & Cheese

    • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
    • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
    • 1 ½ (8 ounce) packages mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Herbs & Spices

    • 🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
    • ¾ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • Sauce

    • 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
    • ½ cup water
  • Others

    • 🧂 1 tablespoon kosher salt for boiling pasta
    • 🥚 1 large egg

STEPS

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and stir in pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.

3

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and beef; cook for 5 minutes, stirring to crumble. Add onion, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and red pepper flakes; cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens.

4

Drain pasta, return to the pot, and mix in 1/2 cup marinara sauce. Let sit until needed.

5

Add remaining marinara sauce and 1/4 cup water to the meat mixture, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes.

6

In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, remaining salt, and pepper until combined.

7

Add 2 cups of the meat sauce to the pasta and mix well.

8

In the prepared baking dish, layer 1/2 cup meat sauce, half of the pasta mixture, 2 cups meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and 1 1/2 cups mozzarella. Add remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.

9

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

808

Calories

  • 46g
    Protein
  • 70g
    Carbs
  • 37g
    Fats

💡 Tips

Letting the ziti sit before baking helps the flavors meld.You can prepare this dish ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight before baking.Serve with crusty bread and a green Italian salad for a complete meal.

⚠️ Precautions

This recipe is for inspiration only. The specific use needs to beadjusted according to individual differences.