Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your baked ziti cooks evenly, and the cheese reaches that perfect, bubbly stage.
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Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, typically boiling for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure you don’t overcook it—think al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
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In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step lays down a tremendous flavor foundation for your meat sauce.
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Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until nicely browned, ensuring to drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
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Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together in a tremendous way.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well evenly mixed.
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Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. This layer will form a beautiful, crispy topping during baking.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You want that heavenly melt that defines any good baked ziti experience.
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After pulling it out from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to serve and help the flavors settle.
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