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A delicious tray of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Proven way to grow perfect Baked Ziti recipe. Baked Ziti

This recipe provides a proven method for creating a perfect baked ziti, featuring layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Equipment

  • oven
  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • medium bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain it and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, and drain any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Arrange half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
  9. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer, then repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
  10. Top the casserole with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning Italian sausage along with the ground beef. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick. Ensure the pasta is truly al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.