Description
This baked ziti recipe combines classic Italian-American flavors with a unique twist—fresh lemon zest added to the ricotta mixture for a bright and unexpected flavor boost. Layers of al dente pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses are baked to perfection, making this dish a standout centerpiece for family dinners or special occasions.
Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sauce preparation
- Mixing bowls for cheese mixture
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Zest of 1 lemon (special touch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, beaten egg, lemon zest, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the sauce, and dollops of the ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
The addition of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture provides a subtle citrus note that brightens the dish and enhances the richness of the cheese and meat sauce. This small twist sets this baked ziti apart from traditional recipes… and trust me… you won’t regret it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 580 kcal