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A bubbling casserole dish of baked ziti with melted cheese on top

Quick way to grow the best Baked Ziti in 20 minutes.Baked Ziti

This recipe provides a quick and delicious way to make baked ziti in 20 minutes, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. It combines ziti pasta with a flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 24 ounces jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • baking dish
  • medium bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
  2. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, draining any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce with the cooked ground beef and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
Assembly and Baking
  1. In a large baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce, then layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella.
  2. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ensuring the top layer is mozzarella cheese.
  3. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce, or a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a combination of Italian sausage and ground beef. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.