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Easy Baked Ziti

A comforting and cheesy baked ziti dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheeses
  • 1 pound Ziti pasta Cook to al dente
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese Use whole-milk for richness
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese Shredded, for melting
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Grated, for nutty finish
Sauce and Meat
  • 28 ounces Marinara sauce Jarred or homemade
  • 1 pound Ground beef or Italian sausage Your choice
  • 3 cloves Fresh garlic Minced, brightens the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Earthy blend
  • 1 sprig Rosemary Finely chopped; can swap with basil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a 9x13 baking dish ready.
  2. Cook the ziti until just al dente according to the package; drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the minced garlic.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, and rosemary; simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the meat sauce, and dollops of ricotta; mix until coated and creamy.
  3. Spread half the mixture into the baking dish, then scatter half the mozzarella and parmesan on top.
  4. Add the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle the rest of the cheeses on top.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top gets golden edges.
  6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the ziti to set.

Notes

For best texture, use pre-shredded cheeses and jarred marinara. Common mistakes include overcooking the pasta; ensure it's undercooked slightly. Optional: Swap rosemary with fresh basil and add red pepper flakes for heat.