Baked Ziti Pasta
Who doesn't love a comforting, hearty pasta dish on a cozy evening at home? Baked ziti pasta is a classic favorite that brings together the richness of tomato sauce, the creaminess of cheese, and the satisfying goodness of ziti noodles. It's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for family dinners or when you're craving a delicious homemade meal. Follow along for a simple and delicious recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
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Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
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Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the herbs bloom.
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the pasta is coated evenly.
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Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta and beef mixture.
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Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pasta.
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Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
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Serve the baked ziti pasta hot and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving- Calories
- 650 kcal
- Total Fat
- 28 g
- Saturated Fat
- 14 g
- Cholesterol
- 95 mg
- Sodium
- 1200 mg
- Total Carbohydrate
- 58 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 4 g
- Sugars
- 8 g
- Protein
- 38 g
Baked ziti pasta is a delightful dish that brings warmth and deliciousness to any table. It's a versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite ingredients like additional veggies or different cheeses. Prepare this satisfying meal for your loved ones and watch as it becomes a new family favorite.