Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Add the pasta sauce to the skillet with the ground beef and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir to combine.
7. Spread half of the ziti mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Spoon the cheese mixture over the ziti in the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9. Cover the cheese mixture with the remaining ziti mixture.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
13. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe:

This classic Italian-American dish is the ultimate comfort food. With its layers of cheesy pasta and rich tomato sauce, it's the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Plus, it's easy to make and feeds a crowd, making it a great option for family dinners or potlucks.