Easy Ziti Bake

  Dinner

I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables.

Easy Ziti Bake

Average Rating: 4.558139

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 45 min. + standing
YIELD: 6-8 servings.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 2-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • 1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • 2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce.
  • 3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture and stir until blended.
  • 4. Spoon a third of the meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with half of the pasta mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining meat sauce.
  • 5. Cover and bake 40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 630 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.

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