26 Easy Dinner Recipes
20. Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a comforting pasta dish that anyone can make with minimal effort. This Italian-American favorite combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal. You’ll only need basic kitchen tools like a pot, baking dish, and spatula to create this crowd-pleasing dinner.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. The combination of ziti pasta, ground beef, and three kinds of Italian cheese creates a hearty meal that both kids and adults will enjoy. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to eat.
Cooking Times
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour
Serving Size
- Serves 6-8 people, perfect for family dinners or gatherings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (optional)
- 2-3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
- Cook ziti pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Brown ground beef in a pan if using.
- Mix pasta with sauce, seasonings, and most of the cheese.
- Layer in a baking dish with remaining cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Nutritional Info
Each serving (1 ½ cups, approx. 350g) provides about:
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Total Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Calcium: 350 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
