Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish loaded with gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and tender pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet, simmering for 5 minutes.
4. In a large baking dish, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the marinara mixture.
5. Top with the remaining marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Suggested Pairing:

Serve with a garlic knot or a mixed green salad. A bold red wine like Zinfandel pairs well with this cheesy dish.