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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warm, cheesy goodness of baked ziti. This Italian-American classic has become a staple on family dinner tables and at gatherings, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that appeals to both children and adults alike. With its layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, baked ziti is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings people together.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight! This Italian-American classic is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, featuring layers of hearty pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. In this article, you'll find a step-by-step guide on how to create this beloved dish, complete with ingredient breakdowns, tips for perfecting the sauce, and advice on how to layer for maximum flavor. Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you whip up a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness and make lasting memories around the dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 large egg

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot when you're ready to bake the ziti.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.

        Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it off for a leaner dish.

          Season and Saucy: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you desire a bit of spice) along with salt and black pepper. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

            Mix Cheese Filling: While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese filling. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix vigorously until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

              Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the drained ziti, meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups). Mix well until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce.

                Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the ziti mixture in the bottom, spreading it evenly. Next, dollop the ricotta mixture over this layer, smoothing it out. Top this with the remaining ziti mixture, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

                  Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                    Garnish and Serve: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8 portions

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the ziti in portions that showcase the layers. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a fresh basil sprig on top of each plate for a beautiful touch. Enjoy your Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight!