Description
A warm and cheesy baked ziti dish that embodies comfort food, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce along with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese in a large bowl, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider using Italian sausage for a richer flavor. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg