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Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

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Classic baked ziti made with tender pasta, rich tomato meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melted cheese baked until bubbly and golden, a comforting family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g dry ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 500 g ground beef
  • 3 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  6. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sauce and ricotta cheese.
  9. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  10. Top evenly with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  11. Bake uncovered at 190°C for 30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  12. Remove from the oven, rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft after baking.
  • Let the baked ziti rest before serving so it sets properly.
  • Use good quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.

Nutrition