Description
Baked Ziti is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting pasta casserole made with layers of ziti noodles, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients
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1 lb ziti pasta
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1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
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1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
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1 egg
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
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In the prepared baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat sauce, and half the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers.
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Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
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You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
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Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Make it ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.