Dive into this Cheesy Baked Ziti—a comforting dish the whole family will love! 🧀
Ingredients:
1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta:
In a large pot, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
Brown the meat:
Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add sauce and seasonings:
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Mix the cheese:
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the meat sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.
Layer in a baking dish:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture on top, followed by the remaining pasta.
Top with cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake the ziti:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
