Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 0.75 lbziti pasta$0.91
• 0.75 lbground beef$2.10
• 10 ozricotta cheese$1.82
• 1.5 cupmozzarella cheese, shredded$2.08
• 0.25 cupParmesan cheese, grated$0.69
• 3 cupmarinara sauce$1.92
• 1 eachlarge egg$0.29
• 2 eachgarlic cloves, minced$0.14
• 1 tspdried Italian seasoning$0.01
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.01
• Total for 4 servings$9.97

Most of the cost is ground beef ($2.10) and mozzarella cheese, shredded ($2.08). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $7.12. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, large egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and evenly blended.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat with half of the kosher salt. Cook the ziti pasta for 8 to 10 minutes until just shy of al dente, then drain thoroughly.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until no longer pink and cooked to at least 160°F (71°C); drain off excess rendered fat.
4. Lower skillet heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and remaining kosher salt, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for 3 minutes until heated through.
5. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of an 8x11-inch or 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer in half the cooked ziti, all of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining ziti and meat sauce.
6. Scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes so the cheese sets and portions hold their shape when sliced.
8. Cut the baked ziti into 4 generous squares and serve hot.