Creamy Baked Ziti (Printer-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Pasta
01 -
1 pound ziti pasta
→ For the Meat Sauce
02 -
1 pound ground beef
03 -
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
06 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ For the Cheese Mixture
07 -
1 cup ricotta cheese
08 -
1 cup sour cream
09 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
10 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ For Garnish
11 -
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
# Let's Cook!:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
02 -
Boil ziti pasta as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
04 -
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
05 -
Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta, followed by the meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
06 -
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 -
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
# Cook's Notes:
01 -
This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy meals at home.
02 -
The creamy ricotta, tangy sour cream, and melty mozzarella create a rich and satisfying flavor.
03 -
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.