Classic Baked Ziti Recipe Sopranos Style

Hey there, pasta lovers! Are you ready to dive into a cheesy, saucy adventure? Today, we’re whipping up a classic dish that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance: Classic Baked Ziti! So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking. But beware; this dish might make you want to hug your oven!

Classic Baked Ziti

Feast your eyes on this beautiful plate of gooey goodness:

Classic Baked Ziti Ingredients: Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions: Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—cooking!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is where the magic begins.
Boil a large pot of salted water and add the ziti pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add in the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is tender.
Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble for about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and another layer of meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and top with the remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Once baked, let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy!

There you have it! A delicious, heartwarming dish that will surely make you the star of your kitchen. Dig in and enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!