Love baked ziti? We sure do! In fact, I made a pan of this last weekend when my grandfather returned home from the hospital and while my mom was still recuperating from her surgery. I think we ate this for 3 days!

Note, if you choose to use fresh basil paste, mix in with ricotta mixture. Otherwise, simply add basil to the top once finished.

Baked Ziti

Save Recipe

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 box ziti
1 ricotta cheese (14.5 ounce)
1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounce) I used basil/garlic/onion
1 jar tomato sauce (I used Classico tomato basil)
1 egg
4 tablespoons crushed garlic
2 lbs lean ground beef (I used 95% lean)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt, pepper and fresh basil paste (2 tbsp)

Instructions

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons garlic on med/low heat. Once garlic is slightly browned, add ground beef and cook until browned
Mix ricotta, egg, 2 tablespoons basil paste, 2 tablespoons garlic, 1/2 bag of shredded mozzarella and canned diced tomatoes together in a separate dish
Cook pasta according to directions
Once the past and ground beef is browned, add drained pasta to the skillet dish with ground beef and gently mix.
Now pour your ricotta/tomato mixture in the skillet as well and mix all three together
Once everything is mixed together in the skillet, pour into a 9x13 deep dish baking pan
Season with salt and pepper
Pour jar of tomato sauce over the entire top spreading evenly
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the top
Bake uncovered 375 degrees
40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling on sides

https://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/baked-ziti/

Serves 10

Baked Ziti is the perfect meal if you are feeding many people or simply need left overs for a couple days. It’s quick and easy and always delicious. If you prefer a lasagna instead, be sure to check out our easy crockpot lasagna recipe.