Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Easy Baked Ziti is a Family Favorite
- Comfort Food That Doesn’t Complicate Dinner
- Perfect for Busy Nights and Simple Planning
- Flavorful Layers that Bring Everyone Together
- Tips to Customize Your Easy Recipes
- Final Thoughts from Patricia Universe
Key Takeaways
This easy baked ziti recipe is a must-have in your collection of easy recipes. It combines tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a melty trio of cheeses into a baked masterpiece. It’s ideal for dinner recipes when you need something cozy and satisfying, yet simple to make.
Why This Easy Baked Ziti is a Family Favorite
At Patricia Universe (https://www.patriciauniverse.com), we’re all about comfort food that brings joy to the table. This easy baked ziti is one of those recipes that shows up again and again because it delivers. It’s filling, flavorful, and wonderfully simple — the definition of easy recipes that work every time. The rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta blend, and bubbling mozzarella make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Comfort Food That Doesn’t Complicate Dinner
Forget fussy steps or overly fancy ingredients. This baked ziti fits right into your lineup of quick and easy recipes. It’s as delicious as lasagna but so much simpler to prepare, making it a perfect solution for weeknights. You won’t believe how a dish this hearty can be this stress-free. It’s exactly what food receipt easy recipes were made for.
Perfect for Busy Nights and Simple Planning
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing recipes for dinner guests, baked ziti is the kind of dish that offers flexibility. It can be made ahead, refrigerated, and baked later, or even frozen for future meals. This recipe is part of our easy recipes for dinner selection because it simplifies your routine without sacrificing flavor.
Flavorful Layers that Bring Everyone Together
Between the pasta, cheese, and sauce, each bite of this baked ziti is pure comfort. And while it’s indulgent, it still falls into the category of sweet easy recipes thanks to its balance of richness and satisfaction. Add a simple salad or garlic bread and you’ve got dinner handled.
Tips to Customize Your Easy Recipes
You can always put your own spin on this classic. Try swapping ricotta for cottage cheese or add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Want a shortcut? Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce to save time. From air fryer desserts easy recipes to comforting casseroles like this, Patricia Universe is here to support your cooking journey with smart tips and easy wins.
Final Thoughts from Patricia Universe
At the end of the day, we all need a go-to recipe that feels like home. This easy baked ziti is just that — a reliable, family-friendly dinner that never disappoints. Explore more easy recipes and dinner recipes at Patricia Universe and bring joy back to your kitchen.
Easy Baked Ziti with Rich Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- Extra mozzarella for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, water, and chopped basil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, egg, and half of the mozzarella.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the ricotta mixture and half of the meat sauce.
- Pour half the pasta mixture into a baking dish, layer with remaining meat sauce, and top with mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
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