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🍝 Baked Ziti πŸ§€

Baked Ziti is a hearty, comforting Italian-American classic that combines ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a cozy and satisfying meal.

πŸ“‹ Ingredients:

  • 12 oz ziti pasta 🍝
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil πŸ›’οΈ
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped πŸ§…
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced πŸ§„
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) πŸ…
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt πŸ§‚
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 🌢️
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese πŸ§€
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese πŸ§€
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese πŸ§€
  • Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish 🌿

πŸ“ Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the ziti:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Cook the meat:
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
  1. Add onion and garlic:
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
  1. Stir in the marinara sauce:
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Ziti:

  1. Mix pasta and sauce:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  1. Layer the ziti:
  • Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the pasta, spreading it out with the back of a spoon. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top.
  1. Top with cheese:
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

4. Bake:

  1. Bake the ziti:
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

  1. Garnish and serve:
  • Remove from the oven and let the ziti cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

🍽️ Tips:

  • Meatless option: Omit the ground meat and add sautΓ©ed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for a vegetarian version.
  • Cheese alternatives: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
πŸ”₯ Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal per serving

This Baked Ziti is cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor. It’s a cozy, family-friendly dish that’s sure to be a hit any night of the week! πŸπŸ§€πŸŒΏ