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Baked Ziti: Discover the Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe!

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Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food dish made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti with the meat sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated, then gently fold in the ricotta mixture.
  8. Spread half of the ziti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  9. Add the rest of the ziti mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Ziti, Comfort Food, Italian-American Recipe

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