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Cheesy Baked Ziti

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A comforting and hearty dish of pasta loaded with cheese and savory flavors, perfect for gatherings and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft.
  4. Add the ground beef or sausage, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. In a baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti and half of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, the remaining ziti, the remaining ricotta mixture, and top with more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. You can also customize cheese choices to your preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ameliasweets.com/2026/04/05/cheesy-baked-ziti/

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