Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

Baked ziti has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, a rich culinary tradition that has evolved in the United States. While its exact origins are somewhat nebulous, it’s widely believed that baked ziti was inspired by traditional Italian pasta dishes that incorporate baked pasta and cheeses. Over the years, it has transformed into a comfort food icon, often associated with family gatherings and special occasions.

Discover the comforting delight of Cheesy Dreamy Baked Ziti, a beloved Italian-American classic that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. This dish features rich layers of ziti pasta, savory meat, and a heavenly blend of cheeses that create a satisfying cheesy pull. Its versatility allows for endless customization, catering to various tastes and dietary needs. Get ready to indulge in a warm, heartwarming meal that brings loved ones together.

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both

1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure that it is ready for baking after assembling your ziti.

Cook the Ziti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside for later use.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring until fragrant.

Brown the Meat: Introduce the ground beef or sausage into the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper, cooking until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.

Combine Ingredients: Pour in the marinara sauce along with the dried oregano and basil. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Mix in Cheeses: In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended.

Assemble the Ziti: In a large baking dish, start by layering half of the cooked ziti. Then, spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Next, layer half of the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat the process with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture for a delicious, multi-layered dish.

Top with Cheese: To finish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer, creating a deliciously cheesy crust.

Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Serve: Once out of the oven, let the ziti cool for a few minutes to set. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if using, for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the baked ziti in individual portions garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan. Pair with a side salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!