Here's a delicious recipe for Baked Ziti that you can try at home:
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
2 cups marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
Assemble the Dish:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with the sauce mixture.
Add ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix well.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve:
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips
For extra flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pair it with a glass of Chianti or a non-alcoholic sparkling water with a splash of lemon.
Enjoy your homemade Baked Ziti! 🍽️
