Forktionary

Baked Ziti With Thick Rich Meat Sauce Recipe

This hearty and comforting Baked Ziti recipe serves 12 and is packed with flavor! We use a generous meat sauce (recipe #256239), adding extra to the top before freezing the remainder in convenient 1-cup portions for future meals. The secret? Slightly undercooked pasta that finishes perfectly in the oven, absorbing the delicious sauce for ultimate yumminess. This family-friendly recipe is bursting with nutrients – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! #bakedziti #meatsauce #comfortfood #familyrecipe #easyrecipe #heartymeal #italianfood #zitirecipe

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 356.5 kcal
Protein 40g
Rating 3.6 (11 Reviews)
Baked Ziti With Thick Rich Meat Sauce 116

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti With Thick Rich Meat Sauce

  • 1 recipe meat sauce (approx. 8-9 cups)
  • 1 (26 ounce) package ziti pasta
  • 32 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

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How to Make Baked Ziti With Thick Rich Meat Sauce

  1. Prepare the meat sauce (recipe #256239) and keep it simmering on low heat.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. In a bowl, mix together the cheese mixture: [Specify cheese amounts and types in ingredients section].
  4. In a separate bowl, gently combine the cooked ziti (undercook by 4 minutes) with 1/3 to 1/2 of the cheese mixture until creamy and well coated.
  5. Spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 10x13 inch casserole dish.
  6. Layer half of the pasta mixture over the sauce.
  7. Spread half of the remaining cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
  8. Top with 2-3 cups of the meat sauce.
  9. Add the remaining pasta mixture.
  10. Spread the remaining 1 cup of meat sauce evenly over the top.
  11. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  12. Finish with a generous layer of grated [Specify cheese type and amount in ingredients section].
  13. Place a sheet of foil on the rack below the casserole dish to catch any spills.
  14. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  15. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve the remaining simmering sauce on the side for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

6g

Fat

48g

Carbs

10g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Beef & Red Meat European Italian American Fall Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Main Dish Beef Pasta Vegetables Oven Easy European Diabetic Dinner Party Italian Stove Top Dietary One Dish Meal Comfort Food Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Ground Beef Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Penne Tomatoes Taste Mood Equipment Number Of Servings Presentation Served Hot