Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti
A delightful comfort food dish that's cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the onions and garlic
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef Can be substituted with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian option
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 cups tomato sauce (2 cans)
- ½ cup water
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta Use in mounds, no bigger than a tablespoon
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with paprika, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato sauce along with the water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Assembly and Baking
- Combine about 2 cups of the beef sauce with the cooked pasta. Mix well to combine, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Add several tablespoons of ricotta over the pasta. Pour the remaining beef sauce over the pasta mixture and top it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, take it out of the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.