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Baked Ziti

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A comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish loaded with ziti, savory meat, and melted cheese, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
  4. Add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

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