Baked Ziti Recipe

[Horton]

Looking for a comforting and hearty meal to satisfy your cravings? This Baked Ziti recipe is a classic favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
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182.3 kB

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat mixture. Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Assemble Baked Ziti: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
7. Serve: Remove the Baked Ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
8. Enjoy: Serve this comforting Baked Ziti hot, alongside a crisp salad and garlic bread, for a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will love!

This Baked Ziti recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a cozy meal, this hearty pasta bake is sure to hit the spot.

 

[benzie]

Hi! Though it might seem basic, I think cooking your ziti pasta until it's just al dente before assembling the dish is key. It ensures the pasta doesn't get mushy while baking in the oven.

 

[ChocoJay]

Wow, this baked ziti recipe is making my mouth water! Can't wait to give it a try! Thanks for sharing!

 

[rootme]

Looking for a comforting and hearty meal to satisfy your cravings? This Baked Ziti recipe is a classic favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
1200×902
182.3 kB
View attachment 3919
Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat mixture. Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Assemble Baked Ziti: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
7. Serve: Remove the Baked Ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
8. Enjoy: Serve this comforting Baked Ziti hot, alongside a crisp salad and garlic bread, for a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will love!

This Baked Ziti recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a cozy meal, this hearty pasta bake is sure to hit the spot.

Adding some fresh basil on top of this Baked Ziti before serving would elevate the flavors even more!

 

[pato2ya]

Baked ziti recipe? Cook ziti pasta until al dente, then toss with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, layer in a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting and cheesy pasta dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers - a classic and satisfying Italian-American favorite!