The Best Homemade Baked Ziti Recipe 

 The Best Homemade Baked Ziti Recipe 

Indulge in this comforting and delicious Baked Ziti that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings! Here’s how to make it from scratch:

Ingredients:
1 lb. ziti pasta noodles
1 lb. ground beef or ground sausage
1 large onion, chopped
3 tsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. Italian seasoning, divided
1 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1 1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
45 oz. bottle marinara sauce
14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes
16 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
15 oz. ricotta cheese
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
Stir in 1 tsp. of Italian seasoning, 1 tsp. of salt, 1 tsp. of black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute.
Add the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, remaining Italian seasoning, remaining salt, remaining black pepper, and half of the shredded parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Add another layer of meat sauce, the remaining ziti, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the rest of the parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and cheesy dish with a side salad or garlic bread!