A classic baked ziti recipe that combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses for a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small 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 salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the Sauces and Spices: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Ziti: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, half of the sauce, and the ricotta cheese. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the remaining sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Feel free to customize the ingredients and instructions to suit your taste or dietary preferences!