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Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

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This Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with layers of tender pasta, marinara sauce, ground beef, and gooey cheese, this baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe will become your go-to meal. Enjoy this cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying dish today!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with the beef sauce mixture.
  • Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the layer, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor.
  • Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added veggies.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://simplerecipee.com/best-baked-ziti-ever-recipe/