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Amazing 15-min Prep Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara
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Make this easy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara for a simple, comforting dinner. You can bring that Sunday Flavor feeling to your busy week with this satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. If using meat, add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the marinara sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  8. In the large bowl with the sauce, add the cooked ziti. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
  9. Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
  10. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
  • Use your favorite high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
  • If you want extra cheese pull, reserve a small handful of mozzarella for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/easy-baked-ziti-with-mozzarella-and-marinara/