Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Recipe

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

This delicious baked ziti with meat sauce is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner or gathering. It features layers of ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
7. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers.
8. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.