Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal for a weeknight dinner, this Baked Ziti Without Ricotta recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. With its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish embodies pure comfort food goodness. The best part? This version skips the ricotta cheese commonly found in traditional baked ziti, making it a lighter and simpler alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Let’s get started on creating this delicious and easy dish.
**Baked Ziti Without Ricotta Easy**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the meat sauce to the pot with the cooked ziti pasta. Mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Pour half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top of the cheese layer. Spread it out evenly and top it with the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Once finished baking, remove the ziti from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and additional flavor.
Serve this Baked Ziti Without Ricotta Easy dish warm and enjoy the layers of flavors with every bite. Whether you’re a fan of pasta or looking for a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is a perfect choice. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this baked ziti, and make it a staple in your recipe collection.
