Are you looking for a mouthwatering and impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than this delicious and easy baked ziti recipe! This classic Italian dish is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
To start, gather your ingredients: ziti pasta, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, and ground beef or Italian sausage. You can also add in any additional vegetables or herbs of your choice for extra flavor.
First, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. While the pasta is cooking, sauté the garlic and onion in a large skillet until they are soft and fragrant. Add in the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it is browned and cooked through.
Next, add the tomato sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Take half of the pasta mixture and spread it evenly in a baking dish. Then, spoon the cheese mixture on top of the pasta layer and spread it out evenly. Add the remaining pasta on top of the cheese mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta and cover the dish with foil. Bake the ziti in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the ziti is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This baked ziti recipe is sure to impress your guests with its hearty and satisfying combination of flavors. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete and delicious meal.
So why not give this easy baked ziti recipe a try at your next dinner party? Your guests will be impressed by your culinary skills and will be asking for seconds in no time!