Ziti al forno con formaggio

Ingredienti

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Preparazione

1. 1

   Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.

3. 3

   Mix with sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor. Remove from heat.

4. 4

   Prepare cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth, creating a creamy filling for the pasta.

5. 5

   Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture, stirring gently until evenly coated. This will create a delicious and cheesy base for your baked ziti.

6. 6

   Layer the ziti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the ziti mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, then layer the remaining ziti mixture.

7. 7

   Add the final layer: Top the final layer of ziti with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. This will create a beautifully cheesy crust when baked.

8. 8

   Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. 9

   Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving to add a touch of freshness.