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Classic Baked Ziti

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A warm, comforting Italian-American dish with cheesy, saucy layers that create cherished memories around the dining table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage)
  • 28 ounces marinara sauce
  • 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely minced)
  • 1 tsp fresh basil (finely minced)
  • 1 garlic clove (grated)
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Remember, we’ll be baking it later, so don’t overcook! Drain the ziti and set it aside.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper while it cooks!
  3. Add the Sauces: Once the meat is browned, stir in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Mix everything together until well combined. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  4. Combine the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons of parmesan, fresh parsley, basil, grated garlic, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Layer It Up: In a large baking dish, start with a layer of the meat sauce (about half the mixture). Then, add half of the cooked ziti on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture across the pasta. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, ziti, and the remaining ricotta mixture.
  6. Top with Cheese: Finish it off by topping with the remaining meat sauce and layering with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  8. Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, let your baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes.

Notes

Plate your ziti with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad and crusty garlic bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian pasta, comfort food, family meal, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://peakplatter.com/one-pan-baked-ziti-quick-weeknight-dinner-30-minutes/