There’s nothing quite like a comforting, cheesy baked ziti to warm you up on a chilly evening. This classic Italian-American dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings with family and friends. With layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a hearty meal that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving some cozy comfort food, this baked ziti and cheese recipe is sure to be a hit.
**Baked Ziti and Cheese**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until everything is well combined.
7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
8. Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta layer, spreading it out evenly.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture and meat sauce.
10. Top the dish with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Let the baked ziti and cheese cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade baked ziti and cheese with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying and comforting dish that’s easy to make. So, gather your loved ones around the table and savor the cheesy goodness of this classic favorite!
