Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. This hearty dish features ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s a great dish for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Follow this simple recipe to make your own delicious Cheesy Baked Ziti at home.

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Ziti:

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (480ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Cheesy Baked Ziti:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

About the Main Ingredients:

• Ziti Pasta: Ziti is a type of pasta that is similar to penne but with a smooth surface. Its hollow shape and ridges make it perfect for holding onto sauces and cheese, making it ideal for baked pasta dishes like this one.
• Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce forms the base of the meat sauce in this recipe. It adds a rich, tangy flavor and a vibrant red color to the dish. You can use store-bought tomato sauce or make your own from scratch.
• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is a creamy and slightly sweet cheese that adds richness and texture to the pasta. It’s a traditional ingredient in many Italian pasta dishes, including lasagna and baked ziti.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is known for its stretchy texture and mild flavor. It melts beautifully and adds a gooey, cheesy layer to the top of the baked ziti.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese with a nutty and salty flavor. It adds a savory depth to the dish and helps to bind the other ingredients together.

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.