Baked Ziti with Mozzarella & Ricotta

Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight is more than just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a plate that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort. This Italian-American classic combines the heartiness of ziti pasta with rich meat sauce and an indulgent blend of cheeses, making it a favorite for family dinners, potlucks, and cozy nights in. Whether you're feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe promises to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with its delightful layers of flavor.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight, an Italian-American classic that's sure to bring warmth to your table. This dish combines hearty ziti pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses, creating layers of deliciousness. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe lets you customize it to your tastes—from choosing your meat to adding fresh veggies. Prepare to enjoy a true comfort food experience that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix well and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble the Ziti: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Layer with half of the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and finish with the rest of the meat sauce on top.

Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Cool and Serve: Allow the baked ziti to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 60 mins | 6-8 servings