Baked Ziti

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This baked ziti layers pasta with a tomato and meat sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. Cook the pasta just shy of tender, simmer the sauce and bake until the cheese melts and the edges bubble. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Boil pasta in salted water until 2 minutes short of package directions. Drain. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Cook ground meat until browned and fully done; drain excess fat if needed. Add remaining oil and garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer 15 minutes. Toss pasta with sauce. Spoon half into a baking dish, add half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat layers. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and cheese is golden. Rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe card

Baked Ziti

Baked pasta with tomato meat sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan and herbs.

Prep 20 minCook 45 minTotal 65 minYield 6 servings

Adjust recipe Half batchOriginal batchDouble batchOnly numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring tools, mixing bowl and suitable pan

Ingredients

500 g ziti pasta 500 g ground beef or Italian sausage 2 tbsp olive oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced 480 ml tomato sauce 150 g diced tomatoes 1 tsp dried basil 1 tsp dried oregano 150 g mozzarella, grated 100 g Parmesan, grated 1 tsp fine salt 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook pasta

   Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Boil pasta in salted water until 2 minutes short of package directions. Drain.

2. Brown meat

   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Cook ground meat until browned and fully done; drain excess fat if needed.

3. Make sauce

   Add remaining oil and garlic; cook 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer 15 minutes.

4. Assemble

   Toss pasta with sauce. Spoon half into a baking dish, add half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat layers.

5. Bake

   Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and cheese is golden. Rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

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How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender and evenly heated as described.

Tips

• Measure and prepare ingredients before cooking.
• Cut ingredients into even pieces.
• Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
• Use a thermometer where meat doneness is specified.

Troubleshooting

• If the mixture is too wet, cook off moisture or add a little binder.
• If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

• Use a compatible neutral oil if needed.
• Choose suitable alternatives for dietary requirements.

Variations

• Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
• Add seasonal vegetables that suit the dish.

Serving suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad.
• Pair with warm bread or rice.
• Offer lemon wedges or a suitable sauce.
• Serve warm as part of a balanced meal.

Make ahead

Measure ingredients and prepare vegetables ahead; refrigerate perishable items and cook shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains wheat and dairy. Cook ground meat thoroughly and refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly; finish close to serving.

How should I store baked ziti?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.