This easy baked ziti recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal. With layers of cheesy goodness and a savory meat sauce, it’s a dish everyone will love. Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll have a hearty, delicious dinner on the table in no time!
Ingredients You'll Need
1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Cooking the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Making the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
Assembling the Baked Ziti
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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