Baked Ziti with Meat and Ricotta
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Baked ziti with meat and ricotta is the ultimate Italian American comfort dish. With bubbling layers of pasta, meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep time
- 20 minutes
- Cook time
- 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total time
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield
- 6 servings
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20) 1/2 pound Italian sausage 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided 48 ounces marinara sauce, divided 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup heavy cream 15 ounces ricotta 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) 1 cup Parmesan, divided 2 cups Mozzarella, divided 16 ounces zitiInstructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a deep 9x13-inch dish.
- Step 2: Brown beef and sausage with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Add onion, garlic, and 3 tsp seasoning; sauté until soft.
- Step 4: Stir in half the marinara, water, and cream; simmer.
- Step 5: Boil ziti until al dente. Mix with remaining marinara.
- Step 6: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1 tsp seasoning, and nutmeg.
- Step 7: Assemble layers: meat sauce, half ziti, ricotta mix, cheese, repeat.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Step 9: Rest 10 minutes, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor. Let the baked ziti rest before serving so the layers set. Freezes well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly.Nutrition
- Calories
- 939
- Fat
- 50g
- Saturated fat
- 23g
- Sugar
- 14g
- Sodium
- 2433mg
- Protein
- 48g
- Carbohydrates
- 76g
- Fiber
- 7g