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Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
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This classic Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce recipe delivers a comforting and hearty Italian-American meal that’s easy to prepare and full of rich flavors. Featuring tender ziti pasta baked with savory ground beef marinara sauce and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, this crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, and customizable to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Meat Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Start by boiling the ziti pasta in salted water until it is al dente. This ensures the pasta will hold its shape without becoming mushy after baking.
  2. Cook the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, cooking it until browned and crumbly. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently to blend the flavors.
  3. Mix cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half the shredded mozzarella and half the grated Parmesan. This creamy mixture adds richness and balances the tangy sauce.
  4. Layer the ingredients: In a greased baking dish, spread half the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Add half the cooked pasta on top, then dollop the cheese mixture evenly over it. Repeat layers with the remaining meat sauce and pasta. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top to create a golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Bake to perfection: Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  6. Let it rest and serve: Once baked, allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooking ensures it stays al dente after baking.
  • Use high-quality cheeses: Fresh mozzarella and real Parmesan make a big difference in flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce: Letting the meat sauce simmer develops deeper, richer flavors.
  • Layer thoughtfully: Even layering helps every bite have the perfect combination of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
  • Rest after baking: Letting the dish cool briefly helps prevent it from being too runny.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Ziti, Meat Sauce, Italian Dinner, Comfort Food, Pasta Bake, Family Meal

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/baked-ziti-with-meat-sauce/