Baked Ziti with Mozzarella & Ricotta

When it comes to creating the perfect Cheesy Baked Ziti, layering the ingredients effectively is crucial for ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures throughout the dish. Here are some best practices for even distribution:

Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight, a classic comfort food that brings warmth to any gathering. This mouthwatering dish features tender ziti pasta layered with savory tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, baked ziti is versatile and easy to customize for different tastes. Dive into this satisfying recipe and create a memorable meal that your family will love.

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

28 ounces crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Ziti:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

- Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Make the Tomato Base:

- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

- Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine Cheeses:

- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg, a pinch of salt, and pepper until well combined.

Layer the Dish:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce until well coated.

- Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

- Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, then sprinkle with a cup of mozzarella cheese.

- Top with the remaining ziti mixture and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and the grated Parmesan.

Bake:

- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve:

- Let the baked ziti cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing into portions.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hr 10 mins | 6-8 servings