Baked Ziti Recipe

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, 1 cup of the mozzarella, egg (if using), and parsley or basil.

2. Season lightly with salt and pepper and stir until creamy.

This mixture adds a lasagna‑style creaminess and helps bind the casserole.

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Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish or deep foil pan.

2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with about 2 cups of the meat sauce and toss so every piece is lightly coated.

3. Spread half of this sauced pasta in the bottom of the baking dish.

4. Dollop and gently spread all of the ricotta mixture over the pasta in an even layer.

5. Add most of the remaining meat sauce on top of the ricotta layer.

6. Finish with the rest of the pasta and any remaining sauce, making sure the top is nicely coated so it does not dry out.

7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella (and extra Parmesan if you like) evenly over the top.

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Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

1. Cover the dish loosely with foil, tenting it slightly so it does not stick to the cheese.

2. Bake covered for 20–25 minutes to heat through.

3. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned in spots.

4. Let the baked ziti rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so it sets and slices more neatly.

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Serving, Storage, and Variations

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat covered in the oven or microwave with a splash of extra sauce if needed.

• For baked ziti without meat, skip the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.

• For extra cheesy baked ziti, add more mozzarella between the layers or mix some into the pasta itself.

This easy Baked Ziti recipe targets popular search terms like “baked ziti with meat,” “easy baked ziti casserole,” and “make‑ahead pasta bake,” making it ideal for SEO‑friendly food blog content that still delivers rich, comforting flavor at the dinner table.