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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti – Hearty & Delicious

Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti – Hearty & Delicious
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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish that combines tender pasta with a rich meat sauce and layers of creamy, melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients

Units Scale

 

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound ziti or penne pasta

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

 

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 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. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
    • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
    • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
    • Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

    • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, grated Parmesan, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix until well combined.

  4. Assemble the Baked Ziti:

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
    • Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Evenly dollop the cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
    • Top with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out to cover the cheese layer.
    • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.

  5. Bake:

    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.

  6. Serve:

    • Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
    • Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

 

  • Variations: For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. If baking from cold, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
  • Freezing: To freeze, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbyandy.com/ultimate-creamy-cheesy-baked-ziti-hearty-delicious/