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Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Fresh Basil
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the beef sauce. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese so it stays in small clumps.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  • Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and scatter the chopped fresh basil over the surface before serving.

Notes

Stir the basil in right after baking so it stays bright and fragrant rather than wilting during the oven time. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, cook the onion a minute or two longer before adding the beef. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large Pot, Large Skillet, 9x13 Baking Dish