This easy classic baked ziti recipe is a comforting and delicious dish, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. It's simple to make and packed with flavor.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned.
Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.
Spoon the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
To add a little extra flavor, consider including a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.