Description
A cozy and delightful baked ziti recipe that blends rich flavors and cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups seasonal vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, zucchini)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup broth or cream (optional)
- 2 cups cheese (mozzarella, ricotta)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Sauté the onion in olive oil for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and seasonal vegetables for 3–5 minutes.
- Brown the ground protein, season with salt and pepper, and mix everything.
- Combine cooked ziti, sautéed mixture, and marinara sauce in a large bowl.
- Layer half of the ziti in a greased baking dish, top with cheese, then add remaining ziti and more cheese.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Enjoy after cooling for a few minutes.
Notes
For added creativity, try different cheeses or mix up the vegetables to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: baked ziti, pasta, comfort food, Italian, dinner recipe