Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Ziti (Ziti al Forno) recipe. Perfectly cooked pasta is layered with a rich meat sauce and topped with a blend of cheeses, then baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this classic Italian dish is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will love. 

Ingredients:

- 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta

- 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce

- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 1 tsp dried basil

- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Season the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well.

Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining cheese.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

This Baked Ziti (Ziti al Forno) recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions.

Nutritional values

12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta

 - Calories: About 210 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 42g

 - Protein: 7g

 - Fat: 1g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Provides carbohydrates for energy.

 - Contains some protein and fiber, contributing to satiety.

2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce

 - Calories: About 80 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 2g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Contains vitamins A and C from tomatoes.

 - Provides antioxidants and adds flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

 - Calories: About 250 kcal

 - Fat: 20g (including saturated fat)

 - Protein: 22g

 - Cholesterol: 70 mg

Benefits:

 - High in protein and iron.

 - Provides essential nutrients and flavor.

1 small onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: About 45 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains antioxidants, vitamins C and B6.

2 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Known for its potential anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits.

1 tsp dried oregano

 - Calories: About 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.8g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains antioxidants.

1 tsp dried basil

 - Calories: About 2 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and can boost metabolism.

2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

 - Calories: About 80 kcal

 - Fat: 6g (including saturated fat)

 - Protein: 6g

Benefits:

 - Provides calcium and protein.

 - Adds creaminess and flavor to the dish.

1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

 - Calories: About 110 kcal

 - Fat: 7g (including saturated fat)

 - Protein: 10g

Benefits:

 - High in calcium and protein.

 - Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.

Salt and black pepper to taste

- Nutritional Value (negligible)

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor.

2 tbsp olive oil

 - Calories: About 120 kcal

 - Fat: 14g (including monounsaturated fat)

Benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats.

 - Adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

 - Calories: About 1 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and freshness.

 - Contains vitamins and antioxidants.

This ziti pasta recipe combines rich and flavorful ingredients, providing a well-rounded meal with protein from the beef and cheeses, carbohydrates from the pasta, and a variety of vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables and herbs. The cheeses add creaminess and depth of flavor, while the herbs and spices enhance the dish's overall taste.