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Baked Ziti Delight: A Comforting Recipe for Family Dinners

  • Author: Melissa
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a comforting classic with this Baked Ziti, featuring layers of al dente ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
  5. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well.
  7. Add dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  9. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until well coated.
  10. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly across the bottom.
  11. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer, spreading gently.
  12. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  13. Pour the remaining pasta and meat sauce mixture over the cheese layer, spreading evenly.
  14. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  15. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
  16. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  17. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  18. Once done, let the baked ziti sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
  19. Cut into squares and serve, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or a meat alternative for a lighter version.
  • You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

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Find it online: https://melissarecipes.com/baked-ziti-delight/