Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food dish. Here’s a simple recipe to make this hearty and delicious meal:Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat (If Using):
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- If using ground beef or sausage, add it to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- In the greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the pasta.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.
- Broil (Optional):
- Remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the baked ziti from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the delicious baked ziti hot, and enjoy this comforting pasta dish!
This baked ziti recipe is versatile, and you can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or by using different types of cheese according to your preferences. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
