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Baked Ziti Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights

This Baked Ziti Recipe transforms a simple weeknight meal into a delightful comfort food experience that's hard to resist.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Ziti Pasta Can substitute with penne or rigatoni.
For the Sauce
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian Sausage Can substitute with ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles.
For the Cheese
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Can use cottage cheese for a lighter option.
  • 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese Fresh mozzarella preferred for a gourmet feel.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is a good alternative.
For the Vegetables
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves recommended.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow onion preferred.
For the Herbs
  • 1 tbsp Basil Fresh herbs enhance flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Oregano Dried can be used if fresh is not available.

Equipment

  • baking dish
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet with meat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, and fresh basil. Mix well.
  6. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, then half of the ziti mixture, and repeat. Finish with remaining ziti on top.
  7. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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