Baked Ziti

Here’s a classic baked ziti recipe that’s sure to be a hit:

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta:
   • Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce.
   • Add the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
   • Add the remaining ziti mixture on top and spread evenly.
   • Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your delicious baked ziti!