Baked Ziti Recipe – A Cheesy, Comforting Winter Dish
Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food featuring the layers of noodles, a rich meat sauce, and melting cheese. This dish is simple to prepare and ideal to feed a crowd during a cold winter night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ziti or penne pasta
- 1 Lb (450g) ground meat or Italian sausage
- 1 onion cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper according to your preference
Execution
The oven should be heated to 375 degrees F (190degC).
The pasta is cooked according to instructions on the packet until it is al at al. Remove the pasta and place it aside.
In a large pan prepare your ground meat or sausage on moderate heat until brown. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until softened. Add Oregano, marinara sauce basil salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Within a mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta and the marinade for beef. Add the ricotta cheese as well as half the mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is well-mixed.
Transfer the mix to the baking dish of a large size. Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has bubbly and melts. Allow it to cool a bit prior to serving.
Additional tips
About: Baked Ziti
- To make it vegetarian you can substitute the meat with sauteed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- The dish can be prepared in advance and then baked just prior to serving.
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