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Baked Ziti

A cheesy and hearty baked ziti dish that brings comfort and joy to the table, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz Ziti Pasta (or penne)
  • 4 cups Marinara Sauce
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Sausage (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce if homemade by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then adding crushed tomatoes and seasonings to simmer.
  4. Combine the ricotta, egg, half the mozzarella, salt, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
  5. Layer a thin layer of marinara sauce in a greased baking dish, followed by half the ziti, dollops of the cheese mixture, and half of the remaining marinara.
  6. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, topping with remaining mozzarella.
  7. Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden.
  8. Rest for about 10 minutes before serving and garnish as desired.

Notes

Baked ziti can be made in advance and stored in the fridge before baking. It’s also freezer-friendly for future meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, pasta, comfort food, Italian recipes, cheesy pasta