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Baked Ziti with Cheese and Meat

Baked Ziti with Cheese and Meat
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This Baked Ziti with Cheese and Meat recipe is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender ziti pasta, savory ground meat, rich marinara sauce, and a melty blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for quick family dinners or make-ahead meals, it balances creamy textures and robust flavors to satisfy every appetite with ease.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 2 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Combine with marinara and seasoning: Stir marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
  4. Mix pasta and ricotta cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti and ricotta cheese. Mix well so the cheese coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti and ricotta mixture, then spoon over half the meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
  6. Bake until bubbly and golden: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta slightly under al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb sauce.
  • Drain excess fat from the cooked meat to avoid greasiness.
  • Distribute cheeses evenly between layers for consistent cheesy flavor in every bite.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top after baking to brighten flavors.
  • Allow the baked ziti to rest before serving to help it set and hold its shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta, Italian casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy pasta bake, meat and cheese pasta

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/baked-ziti-with-cheese-and-meat/