Go Back
+ servings
A generous slice of baked ziti with three cheeses, featuring penne pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella.

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

A classic comfort food, this baked ziti recipe features a rich tomato sauce and a creamy blend of three cheeses, all baked until bubbly and golden.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Ziti pasta
For the Sauce and Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 pound Ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 28 ounce can Crushed tomatoes
  • 1 6 ounce can Tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 15 ounce container Ricotta cheese
  • 1 large Egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add a layer of cooked spinach to the ricotta mixture for added nutrition.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!