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Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheesy Baked Ziti

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting dish filled with rich flavors and layers of gooey cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: DINNER PLATES
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Ziti pasta a hearty choice that holds the sauce beautifully
  • 1 tablespoon Salt for seasoning boiling water
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground beef (or Italian sausage) beef for classic flavor or sausage for spiciness
  • 24 oz Marinara sauce the star ingredient that gives signature taste
  • 1 medium Onion, diced adds sweetness and depth
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced infuses sauce with aromatic goodness
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil for sautéing onion and garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Salt for flavoring the sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper for flavoring the sauce
For the Cheesy Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta cheese provides creaminess and acts as binder
  • 1 large Egg helps to set the ricotta mixture
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated adds nutty, salty finish
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded ensures gooey and delightful texture
For the Garnish
  • ¼ cup Fresh parsley or basil, chopped adds color and freshness

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • baking dish
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti pasta until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion and garlic in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Brown the ground beef in the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks, until golden. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Combine ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
  7. Spread a layer of meat sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti.
  8. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
  9. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients.
  10. Finish with remaining sauce, followed by 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
  11. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Let the Cheesy Baked Ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Optionally, serve with a side salad for a refreshing contrast to the cheesy goodness.

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