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Baked Ziti is the epitome of comfort food, a dish that warms both the heart and the soul. This classic Italian-American casserole combines tender pasta, rich sauces, and a medley of cheeses to create a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, preparing a cozy dinner for two, or simply craving a taste of home, Baked Ziti delivers a delightful experience that is hard to resist.

Easy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

Discover the joy of making Baked Ziti, the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and togetherness to your table. This classic Italian-American dish features layers of tender pasta, savory sauce, and a medley of cheeses that create a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, Baked Ziti is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Join friends and family in creating cherished memories with every bite of this hearty, nostalgic dish.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (your choice)

24 oz marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

15 oz ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnishing (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a bowl.

      Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

        Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it's thoroughly browned, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

          Create the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, followed by the dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer on low for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce mixture, and the ricotta cheese. Stir well until the pasta is fully coated in the delicious sauce.

              Layer the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Start by spreading half of the ziti mixture in an even layer at the bottom. Then, top it with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, add the remaining ziti mixture on top, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

                Bake the Ziti: Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (you can spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.

                  Serve: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, slicing into portions to enjoy!

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 servings

                      Enjoy your comforting baked ziti, a delightful and hearty dish perfect for sharing!