Craving comfort food? This Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is your answer! Loaded with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to some hearty Italian goodness. Get ready for a warm, cheesy hug in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra cheesy and creamy for the ultimate comfort food
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
• Simple ingredients, big Italian flavor
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that oven hot and ready to receive the ziti goodness!
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside—don’t forget to save some water from cooking for later!
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—oh, that garlic aroma is divine!
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Your kitchen is going to start feeling like Italy!
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix until the pasta is well coated—this is where the love happens!
6. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
7. Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Just look at that cheesy mountain of joy!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Tips

• Swap the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
• Use fresh mozzarella for an even meltier, gooier topping.
• Double the batch and freeze one for a future quick dinner!

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ziti ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute with cottage cheese or even a mix of cream cheese and a little sour cream for creaminess.

Can I add vegetables?
Of course! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great in this dish for added nutrition.

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