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Baked Ziti

A classic comfort dish that combines pasta, hearty meat sauce, and a delightful mix of cheeses, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauces
  • 16 ounces ziti
  • 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
Meat and Vegetables
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
Cheeses
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • cups mozzarella cheese, divided (1 cup + ½ cup)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Boil the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and oregano to the beef mixture. Heat until the sauce begins to boil, then remove from heat.
  2. Mix 1 cup of the beef and sauce mixture with the cooked ziti thoroughly.
  3. Spoon half of the ziti mixture into a large baking dish.
  4. Spread ricotta cheese evenly on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of the remaining sauce.
  5. Add the remaining half of the ziti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the sauce.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and sprinkle parmesan cheese and the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the top.
  8. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese topping.

Notes

Baked Ziti is delicious on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. For custom variations, consider adding different cheeses or vegetables.