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Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food that has earned its place as a beloved dish in many households. This hearty pasta casserole is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings with friends. The combination of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and an abundance of melted cheese creates a delightful experience that warms the heart and satisfies the palate.

Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Ultimate Cheesy Baked Ziti! This pasta casserole is perfect for any gathering, combining tender ziti, savory meat or veggies, and gooey melted cheese. Easy to customize, it suits any dietary preference. With layers of marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, every bite is a cheesy delight! Try this recipe to impress family and friends at your next dinner! #BakedZiti #CheesyGoodness #ComfortFood #PastaDish #FamilyDinner
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

        Brown Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

          Add Tomato Mixture: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.

              Layer Ingredients: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Add the remaining ziti mixture, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with a little cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8