Easy Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Baked Ziti! This hearty and creamy pasta dish, rooted in Italian-American tradition, is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Discover how to create layers of ziti, savory meat sauce, and rich ricotta, all blanketed in gooey cheese. It's an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees a warm, inviting meal, creating moments of joy around the table. Dive into this delightful experience!

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

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

Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Brown the meat: Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Make the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Mix the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well-combined.

Assemble the dish: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti on top. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Finally, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and serve: Let the baked ziti sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 6-8 servings