Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 60 oz Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • Salt & Black Pepper to taste
  • 16 oz Ziti Pasta
  • 4 quarts Water (for boiling)
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt (for water)
  • 15 oz Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (divided)
  • 16 oz Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella (divided)

Instructions:

  1. Develop the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground meat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened (3–5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes.
  2. Cook the Ziti: While the sauce simmers, bring the salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain immediately and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper until homogenous.
  4. Combine and Coat: Add the drained pasta directly to the meat sauce, tossing gently until every piece is thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Layer 1/3 of the pasta mixture, then spread half of the ricotta filling, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, then top evenly with the remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and the final 1/2 cup of Parmesan.
  6. Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling vigorously.
  7. Rest and Serve: Allow the Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole to rest on the counter for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set properly.