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–+ servings
Close-up of a bubbling baked ziti with three cheeses, golden brown and topped with herbs.

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

A classic comfort food, this baked ziti features a rich tomato sauce and a creamy blend of three cheeses.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Ziti pasta
For the Sauce and Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 pound Ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 28 ounce can Crushed tomatoes
  • 1 6 ounce can Tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 15 ounce container Ricotta cheese
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  11. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can add a layer of fresh mozzarella slices on top before baking for an extra cheesy finish. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to the sauce.

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