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Classic Baked Ziti

A hearty slice of baked ziti with a rich meat sauce and melted cheese topping.
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A comforting and easy baked ziti recipe perfect for a fall evening, filling your home with cozy aromas.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
  8. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
  • If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni also work well.
  • This dish is a great candidate for meal planning, as leftovers reheat beautifully.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/baked-ziti-cozy-autumn-meal/