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Baked Ziti

Irresistible Baked Ziti: Comfort Food Done Right!

Baked Ziti is a hearty comfort food classic that brings comfort and satisfies cravings with cheesy goodness.
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Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Baked Ziti, cheesy, comfort food, family meal, Italian sausage, pasta
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 15 ounces ziti pasta Perfectly holds the sauce and cheese.

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Adds heartiness and rich flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
  • 1 small onion, chopped Sweetens and balances the savory flavors.
  • 4 cups marinara sauce The star of the show.
  • Salt To taste.
  • Pepper To taste.

For the Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Adds richness.
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Melts beautifully.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Provides a slightly nutty finish.

For Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves To taste for freshness.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Ziti

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  • Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine drained ziti, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix well.
  • In a large baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce, then layer half of the pasta mixture. Repeat with remaining sauce and pasta.
  • Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot.

Notes

For the best texture, make sure the pasta is cooked al dente since it will continue to soften while baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 10mg