Baked Ziti

Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces uncooked ziti or small tube pasta; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese; 2-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 45 min. + standing

Yield 6-8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Baked ziti is a cozy pasta dish that features layers of meat sauce, tender noodles and creamy ricotta cheese. This freezer-friendly recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

12 ounces uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
2 pounds ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
2 large eggs, beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
2-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture and stir until blended.
Spoon a third of the meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with half of the pasta mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining meat sauce.
Cover and bake 40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 630 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.

I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes, I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania

Recipe Creator