Description
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that layers pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and drizzle a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant. Incorporate the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Lower the heat and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine the cooked ziti with most of the meat sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix in ricotta cheese if desired, reserving some sauce for the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of reserved meat sauce in the greased dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining pasta and top with more cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until golden. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, use freshly shredded cheeses and avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Protein: 28 g