Baked Ziti with Mozzarella & Ricotta

• servings: 45 minServing
• total time: 2 hours 17 minutes

Ingredients

12 oz ziti or penne

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste

1/4 tsp black pepper

Cheese mixture and topping:

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese

1 large egg (optional, for structure)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.

Cook ziti in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook ground beef with onion until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain extra grease.

Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer 3 to 5 minutes.

In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Stir cooked pasta into the skillet with the meat sauce until coated.

Spread half of the saucy pasta in the baking dish. Dollop and spread the ricotta mixture over the top, then add the rest of the pasta.

Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly over the casserole.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let sit 5 minutes before scooping.

Time: Prep 15 min · Cook 30 min · Total 45 min

Serving Info: Serves 6 · About 550 to 700 calories per serving