Family Day weekend is all about spending quality time with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. This easy recipe for cheesy baked ziti is perfect for feeding a crowd and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy this cheesy comfort food with your family on Family Day weekend!
