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Baked ziti is a quintessential comfort food that has warmed hearts and filled bellies for generations. This beloved Italian-American dish brings together the best of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce, creating a satisfying meal that resonates with many home cooks. The Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe elevates this classic to new heights, combining the rich flavors of ground beef or sausage, a medley of creamy cheeses, and a robust tomato sauce, all layered with perfectly al dente ziti pasta. In this article, we will delve into the delightful elements of this recipe, from the essential ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, ensuring that you can prepare a delectable meal that will impress both family and friends.

Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe - Hearty & Delicious!

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this creamy cheesy baked ziti recipe that’ll impress your family and friends! This delightful Italian-American dish features al dente ziti pasta layered with savory ground meat, rich tomato sauce, and a medley of creamy cheeses. Perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, baked ziti is easy to prepare and can be customized to fit any dietary preference. Check out our step-by-step guide for a delicious, hearty meal everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

1 large egg

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

          Combine with Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Mix the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, the egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

              Assemble the Ziti: In a large baking dish (about 3-quart size), spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese filling. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining meat sauce.

                Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the final layer of sauce.

                  Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                    Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Scoop the cheesy goodness onto plates and enjoy!

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