Baked Ziti And Cheese
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.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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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.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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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.
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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.
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Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
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Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta layer, spreading it out evenly.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture and meat sauce.
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Top the dish with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Let the baked ziti and cheese cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving- Calories
- 550 kcal
- Total Fat
- 25 g
- Saturated Fat
- 12 g
- Cholesterol
- 85 mg
- Sodium
- 800 mg
- Total Carbohydrate
- 45 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 3 g
- Sugars
- 6 g
- Protein
- 35 g
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!