Description
A hearty Italian-American casserole blending al dente ziti noodles, rich marinara, and creamy ricotta with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. A comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta (or penne, rigatoni)
1 pound ground beef (or halal Italian sausage, mild or hot)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Boil ziti noodles in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside
In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté onion until softened, add garlic and ground meat/bologna (no pork), cooking until browned and drainage
Season meat with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper
Add 1 cup marinara sauce to the pan and stir to combine
In a bowl, mix ricotta with egg, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer 1/3 of the cooked ziti, 1/2 of the meat-sauce mixture, 1/2 of the ziti layer, a dollop of ricotta mixture, remaining ziti, remaining meat-sauce, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden, then rest for 10 minutes before serving
Notes
Substitute halal sausage if using meat
Use store-bought marinara or homemade
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra depth, if desired
Let rest before serving for cleaner slices
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 2000mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg