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Best-Ever Baked Ziti


  • Author: amir_hassan
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian-friendly if meat is omitted

Description

A comforting and budget-friendly baked ziti dish featuring layers of pasta, rich marinara, and gooey cheese.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 tsp Basil, fresh
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Parsley, fresh
  • 2 cups Tomatoes, canned
  • 1 Egg
  • 28 oz Marinara sauce
  • 1 lb Ziti pasta
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups Mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 3/8 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups Ricotta cheese


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain off any excess fat.
  4. Mix in the garlic, garlic powder, fresh basil, parsley, and canned tomatoes. Sauté for a few minutes until fragrant.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the beef mixture, marinara sauce, egg, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Fold in the ricotta and mozzarella cheese for that perfect cheesy goodness.
  6. Transfer your mixture to a baking dish and top it off with slices of fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before diving in.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or a meat-free option. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian