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Best Ever Baked Ziti

Best Ever Baked Ziti
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Best Ever Baked Ziti is a soul-satisfying Italian comfort food featuring al dente ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce with ground Italian sausage or beef, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a sharp parmesan crust. This cheesy, hearty casserole is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Sauce and Meat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage or beef (optional)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil

Cheeses

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente—firm but tender—so it doesn’t get mushy after baking. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onions until fragrant and translucent. Add ground Italian sausage or beef, breaking it apart and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or fresh basil. Let simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to develop flavor.
  3. Mix Cheeses and Pasta: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and dollops of ricotta cheese. Stir gently to coat every piece with creamy, tangy goodness while keeping the texture intact.
  4. Assemble the Ziti: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Transfer half the pasta mixture to the dish, then sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture, topping it with more mozzarella and Parmesan for a golden cheese crust.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the dish to set.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly undercook ziti to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Use quality cheeses like fresh mozzarella and authentic parmesan for best flavor and texture.
  • Let the baked ziti rest a few minutes after baking to make serving easier and maintain its structure.
  • Layer generously with cheese to ensure a perfect blend of creamy and saucy bites.
  • Enhance with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving for added freshness and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian pasta casserole, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, family dinner, baked pasta recipe

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/best-ever-baked-ziti/