Carols baked ziti casserole –Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the scrumptious world of baked ziti with a twist that will make your taste buds sing! Let’s roll up our sleeves and get our chef hats on, because this baked ziti casserole is about to rock your dinner table!
Best Carols Baked Ziti Casserole
This dish is the ultimate comfort food — cheesy, creamy, and so hearty that even your toughest critics will be begging for seconds. Let’s check it out!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, if you want to feel fancy)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) because nothing says comfort like baking at the perfect temperature.
- In a pot, cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t let it get too mushy, we want it to hold up in the casserole!
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and your kitchen is filled with that delightful aroma.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, and stir in the marinara sauce. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes while you secretly celebrate your culinary skills.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper. Stir this cheesy goodness together until it’s as smooth as a jazz tune.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ziti and meat sauce. Then, fold in the ricotta mixture gently. The pasta needs the boost of cheesy happiness it deserves!
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese because, let’s face it, you can never have too much cheese!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. You know it’s done when you can’t resist peeking into the oven every five minutes.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long!), then scoop yourself a generous portion. Enjoy this heartwarming dish with family, friends, or anyone who appreciates a good cheesy ziti!
There you have it — a dish so delicious, you might just make it your new dinner staple. Gather your loved ones and let the cheesy celebrations begin!