Baked Ziti Supreme Casserole

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
4. 4 Stir marinara sauce into the cooked beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5 In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. 6 In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half the ziti, half the beef sauce, and all the ricotta mixture.
7. 7 Top with remaining ziti and beef sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
8. 8 Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
9. 9 Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large pot for pasta
• Skillet
• Mixing bowls

Variations

• Add cooked Italian sausage to the ground beef for extra flavor.
• Substitute turkey or plant-based ground for a lighter option.

Substitutions

• Substitute penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
• Use mozzarella blend cheese if only that is available.

Pairings

• Red wine, like a Chianti or Sangiovese.
• A refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lemon.

Nutrition

Tips

• Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
• Customize with sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.

FAQ