Description
A rich and creamy baked ziti that captures the essence of comfort food, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salty water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; let simmer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth.
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a crispier top, broil for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning.