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Delicious easy ziti bake in a white dish, topped with melted cheese and fresh basil, served warm.

Easy Ziti Bake

This easy ziti bake combines cheesy goodness with Italian-inspired flavors for a homemade ziti bake recipe that's family-friendly. Perfect for meal prep or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce (24 ounces)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 carton ricotta cheese (15 ounces)
  • 2-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 13x9-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it.
  • Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the spaghetti sauce.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended.
  • Add the drained pasta to the cheese mixture and gently mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Spoon one-third of the meat sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer half of the pasta mixture on top, followed by another third of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining meat sauce on top.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the ziti bake rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. For a low-carb option, substitute spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles. This dish can also be prepped ahead or frozen for meal planning.