Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 30 mins | Total time: 50 mins | Servings: 8
I am lost for words with this Baked Ziti. It’s super simple and needs only five ingredients to make but the result is superb!
INGREDIENTS
½ lb bulk mild Italian sausage + 1/2 pound ground beef (may use 1 pound ground meat of choice)
12 oz. pasta of choice (use gluten-free, if needed)
1 24-25 oz. marinara sauce
1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Optional for serving: fresh basil and Parmesan, optional
Add veggies to this recipe by adding 3-4 c. of roughly chopped spinach in Step 5
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
How to make 5-Ingredient Baked Ziti
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees F. Grab and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or two 9 x 9-inch (if freezing one). Set aside.
Step 2: To a skillet or saute pan, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into chunks using a spatula until no longer pink. When done, drain the excess grease.
Step 3: To a paper towel-lined plate, transfer the meat mixture using a slotted spoon or spatula.
Step 4: In the meantime, cook the pasta in a large pot with boiling water for about 10 to 11 minutes or until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and transfer it into the prepared pan.
Step 5: Add the meat to the pan along with the marinara sauce, 3/4 cup of cheese, and Italian seasoning. Gently stir, then sprinkle over the rest of the 3/4 c. cheese.
Step 6: Tent the pan with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. In the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the cover and let the cheese melt.
Step 7: Remove from the oven when done and serve garnished with some fresh basil and Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes:
If planning to freeze, prep until step 5. Tightly cover with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Once ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, covered. Or bake frozen for about 30 to 75 minutes at 400 degrees F until hot.
NUTRITION FACTS:
Serving Size: ⅛ recipeCalories: 362Fat: 13gSodium: 520mgCarbohydrate: 41g(Fiber: 3gSugar: 5g)Protein: 21g
Ingredients
- ½ lb bulk mild Italian sausage + 1/2 pound ground beef (may use 1 pound ground meat of choice)
- 12 oz. pasta of choice (use gluten-free, if needed)
- 1 24-25 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Optional for serving: fresh basil and Parmesan, optional
- Add veggies to this recipe by adding 3-4 c. of roughly chopped spinach in Step 5
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees F. Grab and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or two 9 x 9-inch (if freezing one). Set aside.
Step 2: To a skillet or saute pan, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into chunks using a spatula until no longer pink. When done, drain the excess grease.
Step 3: To a paper towel-lined plate, transfer the meat mixture using a slotted spoon or spatula.
Step 4: In the meantime, cook the pasta in a large pot with boiling water for about 10 to 11 minutes or until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and transfer it into the prepared pan.
Step 5: Add the meat to the pan along with the marinara sauce, 3/4 cup of cheese, and Italian seasoning. Gently stir, then sprinkle over the rest of the 3/4 c. cheese.
Step 6: Tent the pan with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. In the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the cover and let the cheese melt.
Step 7: Remove from the oven when done and serve garnished with some fresh basil and Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
If planning to freeze, prep until step 5. Tightly cover with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Once ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, covered. Or bake frozen for about 30 to 75 minutes at 400 degrees F until hot.
