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Classic Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
This classic baked ziti recipe features tender ziti pasta, a rich and savory meat sauce, and generous layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked until golden and bubbly. It's a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a taste of Italian-American tradition.
#Baked Pasta
#Comfort Food
#Italian
#Dinner
#Casserole
#Family Meal
Bubbly Baked Ziti Fresh from the Oven
Recipe Information
20m
Prep Time
40m
Cook Time
1h
Total Time
8
Servings
Medium
Italian-American
English
Nutrition (per serving)
580
Calories
35g
Protein
45g
Carbs
30g
Fat
Serving a Hearty Portion of Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Servings: 8
๐ก Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!
Golden Brown Cheese Topping
Instructions
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- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside.10m
Preview10mPreviewPreheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside. - While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.10m
Preview10mPreviewWhile the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat. - Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning (if using) into the browned beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes.7m
Preview7mPreviewStir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning (if using) into the browned beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes. - In a large baking dish (9x13 inch), spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta in an even layer. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.10m
Preview10mPreviewIn a large baking dish (9x13 inch), spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta in an even layer. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. - Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a crispier top, watching carefully to prevent burning.30mPreview30mPreviewBake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a crispier top, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.10mPreview10mPreviewRemove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
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