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Baked ziti is a beloved staple of Italian-American cuisine, celebrated for its comforting layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. This dish has earned its place as a classic comfort food, often gracing family gatherings and special occasions. Its hearty nature and delightful flavors make it a go-to choice for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. Among the multitude of baked ziti recipes, one stands out for its indulgent qualities—Cheesy Heaven Baked Ziti. This version takes the traditional recipe and elevates it to new heights of creaminess and flavor, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Discover the joy of making Cheesy Heaven Baked Ziti, a comforting classic in Italian-American cuisine. This indulgent dish features layers of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a heavenly blend of cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe celebrates both flavor and connection. Learn how to create the ultimate baked ziti that promises to create unforgettable mealtime memories. Dive into this culinary journey today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ziti pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

          Add Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.

            Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce, and the ricotta cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.

              Layer the Ziti: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, add half of the ziti mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan over the top. Add the remaining ziti mixture and top it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings