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Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table with its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keyword: Comfort Food, Pasta
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Dish

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounces ziti pasta (or other short pasta)

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Vegetables

  • 1 large yellow onion peeled and chopped

Sauce

  • 4 cups marinara sauce (32 ounces)
  • 8 ounces tomato puree
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Cheese

  • 4 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • chili flakes for garnish (optional)

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside.
  • Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Step 4: Add the marinara sauce, tomato puree, cooked meat, Italian seasoning, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara meat mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
  • Step 6: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Step 7: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Step 8: Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with parsley and chili flakes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using homemade marinara sauce. You can also stir in sautéed vegetables for a nutritious boost.