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Easy Baked Ziti

A delicious and straightforward baked ziti recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, featuring hearty layers of pasta, meat, and cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage or a combination
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
  • 2 jars marinara sauce (24-26 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions, but undercook it slightly to maintain firmness. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté until the onion is softened and translucent.
  5. Season the meat mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, then pour in the marinara sauce. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the beaten egg.
Layering
  1. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce.
  2. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
  3. Top with remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Baking
  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  3. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Consider adding vegetables or using a spicy sausage to customize.