Grammie'S Ziti Bake
A comforting baked ziti dish with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with hearty Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain the ziti; set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Remove from heat and add ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper, along with half of the spaghetti sauce.
- Add the cooked ziti to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Spread the mixture in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the top and cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of ground beef or blending half ground beef with half sausage. You can also substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter option. If you're short on time, a store-bought Cheesy Spaghetti Sauce can save you prep time without sacrificing flavor. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasoning as you mix the ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty ziti bake with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Lynn'S Lasagna(Not For Low-Fat Diets!) for a comforting Italian dinner. For a flavorful twist, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water to maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grammie'S Ziti Bake contains roughly 665 calories, with 33g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (66% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2301mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ziti bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ziti bake the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in a preheated oven.
Can I freeze the ziti bake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled ziti bake before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Blend it for a smoother texture or use cream cheese mixed with a little milk to achieve a similar consistency. Both alternatives will work well in this recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).