Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Dinner

Baked ZitiPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a family dinner.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Baked Ziti

This dish combines pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s easy to make and always a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
2. • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
4. • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Mix the Cheese Filling:
6. • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
7. Assemble the Ziti:
8. • In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheese mixture.
   • Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
9. Bake the Ziti:
10. • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve:
12. • Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Conclusion:

Baked ziti is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, this baked ziti recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness and happy cooking!

Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need more recipe ideas!