Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe
Indulge in this ultimate Baked Ziti, a perfect blend of ziti pasta, savory meats, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Ideal for family dinners, this classic Italian comfort dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) box ziti, cooked al dente
– 1 Tbsp olive oil
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 4 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
– 1 1/2 tsp dry Italian seasoning
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp granulated garlic
– 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
– 1 (32 oz) jar marinara sauce, plus 1 cup extra
– 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Cook Ziti: Follow the package directions to cook the ziti in salted water until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and translucent.
4. Season and Cook Meat: In a bowl, mix the ground beef and Italian sausage with 2 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the meat mixture to the pot with the onions, cooking until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
5. Combine with Sauce and Pasta: Stir in the marinara sauce and cooked ziti, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
6. Layer the Ziti: Spread half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop with half of the ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining ziti, more ricotta dollops, and an additional cup of marinara sauce.
7. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 2 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve: Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!
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