Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta and Protein
01 -
1 lb ziti pasta
02 -
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
03 -
1 small onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Sauce and Seasonings
06 -
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
07 -
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
08 -
1 teaspoon salt
09 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Cheese
10 -
2 cups ricotta cheese
11 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
Brown ground beef and onion in skillet. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and seasonings, simmer 10 minutes.
04 -
In large bowl, combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese.
05 -
Layer half pasta mixture in baking dish, top with half mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
06 -
Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
07 -
Let cool briefly, garnish with parsley before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Can substitute Italian sausage for ground beef
02 -
Ensure pasta is cooked al dente as it will continue cooking in oven
03 -
Let rest before serving to help portions hold together