Description
When only molten cheese, rich tomato sauce, and pasta perfection will do, this baked ziti brings the love. It’s got everything: juicy beef, creamy melted mozzarella, and that golden top layer that screams “home.” Whether it’s family dinner, meal prep, or next-day leftovers that somehow taste even better, this dish is your nostalgic comfort fix. Bonus? No weird ingredients, just soul-hugging flavor. Let’s make the kind of food memories that last.
Ingredients
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2 tsp olive oil
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1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage/turkey)
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1 cup diced onion
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp kosher salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 lb penne or ziti, cooked al dente
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2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
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½ cup shredded Parmesan
Instructions
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Cook Pasta
Boil in salted water, 1-2 mins shy of al dente. Drain, don’t rinse. -
Make Meat Sauce
Sauté onion in oil (4 mins), add garlic (30 sec), then beef. Brown, drain excess. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. Add both tomatoes. Simmer 15 mins until thickened. -
Combine & Cheese It
Mix pasta + sauce + 1 cup mozzarella. Stir gently to coat. -
Assemble & Bake
Pour into a greased 9×13” dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 mins, then broil 2–3 mins for golden top. -
Rest & Serve
Cool 5–10 mins before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
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Cook pasta al dente—it softens more when baked.
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Don’t skip resting—it sets the dish and prevents cheese burns.
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Add sausage, ricotta, or spicy chili flakes for your own spin!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 Cal Per Serving
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g