Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight! This Italian-American classic features tender ziti pasta enveloped in a luxurious creamy sauce, succulent ground meat, and a rich blend of cheeses. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is easily adaptable to satisfy everyone's tastes. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and create a warm meal that brings loved ones together around the table. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Brown the meat: Introduce the ground beef or sausage into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. If there's excess fat, carefully drain it off.

Add tomatoes and spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes followed by the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if desired. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors deepen and meld together.

Prepare the creamy mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and creamy ricotta mixture together. Add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly combined.

Assemble the dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle a layer of the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Add the rest of the ziti mixture, then finish off by topping with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves scattered on top just before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | Serves 6-8

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve in individual bowls, and add more fresh basil on top for a pop of color. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the dish's richness just before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!