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Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight

This hearty and cheesy baked ziti features layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. It's a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 8 people
Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  • Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Add a pinch of salt and stir until smooth.
  • Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the pasta, then half the ricotta mix, followed by half the sauce.
  • Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
  • Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  • Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 760mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7g
Keyword Baked Ziti, Cheesy Casserole, Pasta Bake
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