A delicious and hearty baked ziti recipe that is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and cheesy goodness.
Author:Sabrina Hermes
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
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 over medium heat, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.