Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 pound ziti pasta 🍝
2 tablespoons olive oil 💧
1 onion, chopped 🍠
3 garlic cloves, minced 💡
1 pound ground beef 🐮
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese 🧀
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 🧀
1 egg, beaten 🥚
Salt and pepper, to taste ❗️
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional) 🌿
Preparation Steps:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). 🔄
2️⃣ Cook ziti pasta al dente, drain, and set aside. 🍝
3️⃣ In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 💡
4️⃣ Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces. 🐮
5️⃣ Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let sauce reduce slightly. 🍅
6️⃣ In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, tomato sauce, and beaten egg. Mix well. 🥚
7️⃣ In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, create a layer of tomato sauce. Arrange half of the ziti mixture on top. 📦
8️⃣ Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Repeat layers. 🧀
9️⃣ Top with remaining cheese and cover with aluminum foil. 📦
1️⃣0️⃣ Bake for 30 minutes, remove foil, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. 🔥
Notes and Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, like fresh tomatoes or good-quality canned tomatoes.
- Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Add other ingredients like ricotta cheese, spinach, or meatballs to make the recipe your own!
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like any variations or substitutions.
