Description
A classic Italian-American comfort dish combining tender ziti pasta with a hearty ground beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella/Parmaesan. No pork or alcohol used—halal-friendly and perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients
1 pound (16 ounces) dried ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef (for a halal option, use beef sausage or halal-certified ground beef)
24-ounce jar marinara sauce
15-ounce container ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces; divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Boil ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
In a skillet, cook ground beef, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, and simmered meat sauce until well combined.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the meat sauce mixture, then top with half the pasta. Repeat layers, spreading evenly.
Cover with remaining meat sauce, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free: Use ziti pasta made from rice or legumes.
Meat sauce can be homemade with diced onions, bell peppers, and herbs for extra flavor.
Letting the dish rest ensures cleaner slices.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg