Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

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Yield: 8

Author: Madeline Bertarelli

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 50 Min

Indulge in the ultimate Italian comfort food with my creamy ricotta baked ziti. It's a satisfying, flavorful homemade meal perfect for the colder months. This bubbling casserole is great to make ahead/feed a crowd. It also freezes well, so feel free to double it!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti or small rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb wagyu ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• Torn basil leaves and red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Over medium-high heat, add ground beef and onion into a large sauté pan or Dutch oven. Brown meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper when it is just about cooked through.
3. Once beef has finished cooking, transfer pan to a cold burner. Add the marinara sauce slowly to the meat mixture. Add the pasta and lightly toss to combine.
4. Into a 9x13 casserole dish, pour a layer of the pasta mixture. Add dollops of half of the ricotta over and spread in an even layer. Next, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
5. Add the remaining pasta and finish with a second layer of each of the remaining cheeses.
6. Cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and broil for 3-5 min to get a crispy top.
7. Allow to cool for ten minutes. Garnish with basil and red pepper flakes. Enjoy!