Life Changing Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti is a beloved Italian-American classic that has become a staple in homes across the United States. It is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and hearty—perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or meal prep for busy weeks. This dish brings together the joy of pasta, the warmth of cheese, and the zing of tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that warms the heart and soul.

Discover the transformative power of baked ziti, a classic comfort food that combines pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce into a delicious meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe goes beyond tradition with unique ingredient blends, allowing you to customize according to your taste. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or as a cozy weeknight dinner, this versatile dish can adapt to various dietary preferences while delivering rich flavors and warmth. Get ready to impress with this comforting culinary experience!

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons dried basil

2 teaspoons dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix until evenly coated.

In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the top.

Add the remaining ziti mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let the baked ziti cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8