Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

One of my family’s favorite recipes happens to be this easy-to-make Baked Ziti. To save time during the week, I will brown up my lean ground beef the night before and refrigerate it for the next day. I like to use a combination of Parmesan and Italian Cheese Blend when I make it…but I will also toss in other type’s of cheese if I have them on hand. To go along with the Ziti…I toss together a nice salad with Italian dressing and baked garlic bread. Recipe will yield 4-6 servings.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

18 ounces ziti pasta, cooked and drained
32 ounces Italian spaghetti sauce
1 lb. lean ground beef, cooked and drained
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
4 cups Italian Cheese Blend, shredded
Salt and Ground Black Pepper to Taste
1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook the ziti pasta until done. Drain away the water. Mix the cooked pasta, Italian spaghetti sauce, cooked lean ground beef, Parmesan cheese, salt, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes and the 2 cups of the Italian cheese blend in a large mixing bowl. Pour mixture into a glass rectangular baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese on top.

Place baking dish in a preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until done. The cheese will be melted and bubbly on top. Remove from oven and let it sit for an additional 2-3 minutes before serving.

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Comments

  1. Jo-Ann Brightman says

    My family loves ziti and an easy recipe is always appreciated. I like the idea of browning the meat the night before.

  2. ellen beck says

    I loved baked ziti and make it here at home. You make yours a bit different but not much! I dint ue red pepper flakes, and I add everything to the ziti and pasta then top with cheese. I likely am just a lazier cook ha! I load cheese, it is a weakness and serve with garlic toast with or without cheese. Hubby likes a bit of chopped pepperoni in his, and it does add a kick!

  3. This sounds delicious and perfect for my family! I love dishes like this that my whole family will enjoy. I am adding this to my to-make list! Thanks for sharing this recipe!

  4. Dana Rodriguez says

    I love baked ziti but haven’t made it in awhile. Thanks for the recipe!

  5. As long as I can add some fresh garlic to this. And the garlic bread.

  6. This sounds great–a nice, simple meal, full of flavor. Definitely going on my must-try list! I love this sort of meal, and I imagine leftovers would reheat well, too. Thanks.

  7. I have never made this before and now I think I would like to give it a try sounds easy enough. It sure made my mouth water just reading the ingredients. Thank you for sharing this one it sounds delish.