Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

The roots of baked ziti can be traced back to Southern Italy, where similar pasta dishes have long been cherished. However, it was the Italian immigrants in America who adapted this traditional recipe, giving rise to the baked ziti we know today. The dish became especially popular in the mid-20th century, often served at family gatherings and celebrations, symbolizing togetherness and comfort.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with creamy cheesy baked ziti. This Italian-American classic features layers of velvety cheese, savory meat, and perfectly al dente pasta, making it a favorite for family gatherings and cozy dinners. Learn about its origins and key ingredients, from ziti pasta to a blend of rich cheeses and herbs. With endless variations, it invites creativity in the kitchen. Embrace the warmth of baked ziti and delight in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Make the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce. Toss to ensure all pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Layer the Dish: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top, followed by another layer of ziti. Finally, top with the remaining ricotta mixture.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan evenly over the top layer.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 50 mins | 6 servings