Description
A cheesy, hearty pasta casserole with beef, marina, ricotta, and mozzarella. Quick, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
12 ounces ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, small cubes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook ziti 1-2 minutes less than package time. Drain and set aside.
Warm olive oil in a skillet. Cook diced onion 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef, cook 6-8 minutes until browned.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in marinara sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
Layer pasta, beef sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella in the baking dish. Top with ricotta mixture and remaining mozzarella.
Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Substitute beef with halal chicken or 10 oz crumbled halal meatless sausage for vegetarian option.
Use meatballs or pre-cooked sausage if preferred.
Chill leftovers in oven-safe containers for meal prep; reheat in oven (350°F) for 20 minutes.
Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost vegetable content.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 180mg