Description
One Pan Baked Ziti Easy Dinner is your new weeknight hero! Creamy, cheesy, and so simple, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- Hearty Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 16 oz ziti pasta, uncooked
- Creamy Goodness:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Flavor Builders:
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:: Alright, first things first, get that large, oven-safe pan or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in your ground beef (or sausage). Break it up with a spoon, you know the drill, until it’s browned all over. I always drain any excess fat here, because nobody wants a greasy ziti, right? This step just smells so good, it instantly makes the kitchen feel warm.
- Build the Flavor Base:: Once the meat is browned, lower the heat a bit. Add your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, throw in your minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir it around for a minute or two, letting that tomato paste toast a bit. It deepens the flavor wonderfully. I used to rush this part, but trust me, letting the tomato paste cook for a minute makes a real difference. You’ll smell it getting sweeter!
- Simmer the Sauce:: Now for the saucy goodness! Pour in your crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Give it all a good stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This lets all those flavors get to know each other. I sometimes forget to stir it, and a little bit sticks to the bottom, oops, but it usually scrapes right off!
- Add the Ziti and Bake:: Here’s the magic! Uncover the pan and stir in your uncooked ziti pasta. Make sure it’s mostly submerged in the sauce; if it’s looking a little dry, add a splash more broth or even water. Pop the lid back on or cover tightly with foil, then transfer the whole thing to your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 minutes. This is where the ziti cooks up perfectly in the sauce, absorbing all that deliciousness. I always peek a little too early, but resist the urge!
- Cheesy Layer Time:: After 20 minutes, carefully pull the pan out of the oven. Take off the lid or foil. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top of the ziti, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. I don’t measure the cheese here, honestly, I just go with my heart! This is the part where it starts to look like a proper baked ziti, all ready for that golden crust. Sometimes my ricotta dollops are a bit messy, but who cares, right?
- Final Bake & Serve:: Put the pan back in the oven, uncovered this time, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too dark. Once it’s done, pull it out and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This lets the sauce set a bit and prevents it from being too soupy. A sprinkle of fresh basil before serving? Absolutely! It truly makes the dish sing, and the smell is just divine.