Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). While it heats, boil a pot of water for the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies and Meat: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, ground beef, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat, for 8 minutes, or until browned.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce and simmer briefly. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked pasta.
Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Fold this creamy mixture into the pasta/meat sauce mixture.
Assemble and Bake: In a small (5x5-inch) greased baking dish, spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce. Top with half the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake and Enjoy! Cover the dish and bake in the middle rack for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before digging in.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
Try Alternative Proteins: Ground turkey, ground pork, or a blend of both can easily replace ground beef in this baked ziti recipe, offering a unique flavor twist.
Explore Pasta Choices: While this recipe calls for ziti, other similarly shaped pastas like penne or rigatoni are excellent alternatives. However, feel free to get creative with the type of pasta you use.
Cheese Variations: Elevate the dish by experimenting with different cheeses. For a richer, cheesier experience, consider adding creamy fontina, smoked gouda, or sharp cheddar to the mix.
Incorporate Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding a handful of fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms to your meat sauce mixture.
Go Vegetarian: Create a meatless version of this classic dish by omitting the ground beef and adding vegetable substitutes, such as chopped zucchini, to your pasta.