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In our fast-paced lives, homemade meals play a crucial role in fostering connections. They offer a chance to slow down, gather with loved ones, and share not just food but stories and laughter. The act of cooking together can be a bonding experience, allowing families to come together and create lasting memories. Baked ziti, with its simple preparation and comforting flavors, is an ideal dish for such occasions. The process of layering pasta, sauce, and cheese becomes a collaborative effort, and the anticipation of that first cheesy bite makes it all the more rewarding.

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Bliss Baked Ziti, a delicious twist on the classic Italian-American dish. This hearty recipe features layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy the process of cooking together and create lasting memories around the dinner table. Dive into this decadent blend of flavors and savor every cheesy bite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for kick)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prep the dish.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside for later.

      Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

        Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

          Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: To the browned meat, stir in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all the flavors together beautifully.

            Combine Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup). Mix everything well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

              Layer the Casserole: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly on the bottom. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over this layer in small spoonfuls for even distribution. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Carefully add the remaining ziti mixture, followed by the rest of the ricotta cheese. Finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden brown.

                  Garnish: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6-8