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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:

  1. 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:

  1. 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:

  1. 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:

  1. 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:

  1. 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:

  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!