Ingredients
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 jars (26 ounces each) marinara sauce
– 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Making Baked Ziti for a Crowd is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create this delicious dish:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef or sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent.
4. Combine with Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce into the meat mixture, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Mix Ricotta: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. Layer the Dish: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
7. Top with Cheese: Finish by spreading the remaining meat sauce over the top layer and sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
These steps will lead you to a delightful Baked Ziti that your guests will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g