Baked Ziti (Easy Pasta Casserole) VIDEO

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne pasta or gluten-free pasta)
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 5 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz fresh ricotta
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 12 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain (do not overcook as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven).

2. 2

   In a deep pan or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until beef is fully cooked through and onions are softened (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sauteé for another minute. Add 5 cups marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, and continue cooking for 5 minutes then turn off the heat.

3. 3

   Spread a ladle of meat sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish.

4. 4

   Add chopped basil and spoon in ricotta into the remaining sauce Add cooked pasta and stir just until noodles are coated (you want to keep that ricotta texture)

5. 5

   Transfer half of the pasta to the casserole dish. Top with 1/2 of the shredded mozzarella and 1/2 of the grated parmesan. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.

6. 6

   Clear the edges of the pan so the cheese doesn’t burn onto the dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with basil if desired and serve.