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Easy Baked Ziti Casserole

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This Easy Baked Ziti Casserole is a classic comfort food made with tender pasta, rich tomato meat sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this cheesy baked ziti is simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a large baking dish.
  • Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
  • Stir in garlic, then add ground meat and cook until browned.
  • Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with eggs and a pinch of salt.
  • Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
  • Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Layer with ricotta mixture and some mozzarella.
  • Add remaining pasta, then top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent over-softening baking.Add extra sauce if you prefer a saucier casserole.Let the dish rest before serving for cleaner slices.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/easy-baked-ziti-casserole/