A Quick and Flavorful Family Favorite
Baked ziti is the perfect comfort food, cheesy, hearty, and satisfying. With this recipe, you can make it in just 40 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner. Here’s how to do it:
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Cook the Ziti:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Meat:
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While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Sauce and Cheese:
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Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the cooked meat. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
Mix the Ziti:
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In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is well combined.
Assemble and Bake:
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Transfer the ziti mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
