Delicious Baked Ziti Tonight

Baked ziti is a delicious and comforting Italian-American pasta dish that features ziti pasta baked with a flavorful tomato sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat or vegetables. Here's a general guide on how to make baked ziti:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti pasta: Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. If using, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Combine the cooked ziti and sauce: Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
7. Layer the ziti and cheese: Spread half of the ziti and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the ziti. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti and cheese.
8. Bake the ziti: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
9. Garnish and serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Serve the baked ziti hot as a main dish with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Baked ziti is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. The combination of pasta, flavorful sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Enjoy!