Family-Friendly Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and joy to family gatherings. Its rich flavors and creamy textures make it a favorite among both adults and children. This delightful dish combines the ease of pasta with a medley of cheeses, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck option.

Discover the joy of making Cheesy Baked Ziti, a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe guides you through creating a rich and creamy meal with ziti pasta, savory ground meat, and a blend of delicious cheeses. From preparation tips to the perfect baking technique, you'll learn how to achieve that golden, bubbly crust everyone loves. Ideal for sharing, this classic recipe promises to delight your loved ones and create lasting memories.

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Combine with Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce into the meat mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix well until smooth.

Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta, and meat sauce.

Add the Cheesy Topping: Top the final layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

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

Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 50 mins | 6-8 servings