Baked Ziti Pasta

Who doesn’t love a comforting, hearty pasta dish on a cozy evening at home? Baked ziti pasta is a classic favorite that brings together the richness of tomato sauce, the creaminess of cheese, and the satisfying goodness of ziti noodles. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving a delicious homemade meal. Follow along for a simple and delicious recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Baked Ziti Pasta

Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

5. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the herbs bloom.

6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat.

7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the pasta is coated evenly.

8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta and beef mixture.

9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pasta.

10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

11. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

12. Serve the baked ziti pasta hot and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.

Baked ziti pasta is a delightful dish that brings warmth and deliciousness to any table. It’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with your favorite ingredients like additional veggies or different cheeses. Prepare this satisfying meal for your loved ones and watch as it becomes a new family favorite.