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Baked Ziti
On December 22, 2023 by userBaked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 450g) ziti pasta
- 1 pound (about 450g) ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage or beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is soft.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the prepared sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
- Layering: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade baked ziti!