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Creamy Baked Ziti Incredible: 6 Cheesy Comfort Delights

Creamy Baked Ziti Incredible

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Creamy Baked Ziti is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to prepare. This recipe serves six people and features a rich blend of cheeses and savory meat sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well until smooth.
  7. In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with the meat sauce until well coated.
  8. In a baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining ziti and ricotta.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil for garnish if desired.
  • Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey for a lighter option.

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