Sure, here’s a classic baked ziti recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your delicious baked ziti!
Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your preferences, adding more or less cheese, or even incorporating different ingredients like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor. Enjoy!
