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Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole made with pasta, marinara sauce, plenty of melted cheese, and often ground meat. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, making it a family favorite for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic; cook until meat is browned and onion is soft.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, mixing well.
  6. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
  7. Top with Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat.
  • Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta, Italian casserole, family dinner, pasta bake

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/cheesy-baked-ziti/