Description
This Best Ever Baked Ziti combines savory ground beef (or sausage), tangy marinara sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses to create the ultimate comfort food. With its rich tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella, this dish is perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage)
- 28 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the sauce mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use Italian sausage for a more authentic flavor.
- You can add extra herbs like fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian