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Welcome to the world of comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul: the Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti. This dish stands as a beloved classic in Italian-American cuisine, appreciated for its creamy texture, rich cheesy goodness, and hearty flavors. Whether you are hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, baked ziti is the perfect dish to bring everyone together.

Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe - Hearty & Delicious!

Dive into the Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti, a classic Italian-American comfort food that's sure to impress! This easy-to-follow recipe combines ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a delightful blend of cheeses for a warm and satisfying dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Discover its roots, ingredient highlights, and step-by-step instructions that make baking this hearty meal a breeze. Get ready to bring everyone to the table with this flavorful favorite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

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

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

      Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

        Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

          Combine with Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

            Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and half of the mozzarella cheese (1 cup). Mix until well-blended.

              Layer the Dish: In a large baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches), spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Top with half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture. Add another layer of meat sauce, the remaining ziti, and finish with the remaining sauce.

                Add the Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the ziti.

                  Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent cheese from burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                    Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your rich and cheesy baked ziti!

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8