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Best Ziti Recipe

A creamy and cheesy ziti dish that is perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish (9x13 inches)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Drain the pasta and mix it into the sauce. Add the ricotta mixture and stir gently.
  8. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly and topping with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.