Life Changing Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked ziti is a beloved comfort food that has won the hearts of families and food enthusiasts across the globe. This hearty Italian-American dish combines the satisfying texture of pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce and an irresistible melty cheese topping. Its charm lies not only in its taste but also in its convenience; baked ziti can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Whether you are feeding a crowd or simply looking to enjoy a comforting meal at home, this life-changing baked ziti recipe is sure to impress.

Discover the magic of baked ziti with this life-changing recipe that's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. This comforting Italian-American dish features ziti pasta coated in a rich meat sauce and layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. It's versatile enough to customize with your favorite proteins and veggies. Follow our detailed preparation steps to create a satisfying meal that brings loved ones together around the table. Enjoy the warmth and joy of home-cooked comfort food!

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

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

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

Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat in the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Mix in Tomatoes & Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Combine Pasta & Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce until well mixed.

Layer the Ingredients: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture at the bottom. Then, dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining ziti mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish & Serve: Once out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your life-changing baked ziti!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 6-8