A perfectly portioned baked ziti for two combining seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese in one comforting casserole. This Italian-American dish bakes until golden and bubbly, ideal for intimate dinners without leftovers.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned.
Season the beef with dried oregano, black pepper, salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the cooked and drained ziti to the skillet with the sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Divide half of the pasta mixture between two individual oven-safe skillets or a small casserole dish.
Top the first layer of pasta with dollops of ricotta cheese, a layer of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Add the remaining pasta on top, then repeat with another layer of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Place the skillets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a crispier, golden-brown top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with more fresh basil and red pepper flakes before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for a 25–30 minute bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
Yes. Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or ground lamb work well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Do not overcook the ziti before baking—it should be al dente. The sauce and cheese will continue to cook and moisten it in the oven.
Yes. A video walkthrough from @moribyan is available to guide you through assembly and baking.
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