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A serving spoon lifts a cheesy portion of baked ziti with three cheeses, showing long strings of melted cheese.

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

A classic baked ziti recipe featuring a rich tomato sauce and a blend of three cheeses for a comforting and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Ziti pasta
For the Sauce and Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 pound Ground beef or Italian sausage optional
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 28 ounce Crushed tomatoes
  • 6 ounce Tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 15 ounce Ricotta cheese
  • 1 large Egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. If using meat, add it and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti, tomato sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir to coat evenly.
  8. Spread half of the ziti mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  9. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the ziti layer.
  10. Top with the remaining ziti mixture.
  11. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  13. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion.

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