The Best Baked Ziti

 The Best Baked Ziti

The Best Baked Ziti 🧀🍅

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a large pan, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble the Ziti: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, half the sauce, and half the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy!