Cheesy Italian Ziti Bake: A Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Delight 🧀🍝

Easy Ziti Bake Recipe 🍝

Overview:

This Easy Ziti Bake recipe is a delightful concoction of ziti pasta, lean ground beef, Italian sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection in a harmonious blend of flavors. With just a few simple steps, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Calories: 440.6 per serving
• Rating: 4.5 ⭐ (from 4 reviews)

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 ounces) ziti pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 Italian sausages, casings removed
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

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   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your ziti bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.

2. Boil Ziti:

   • While the oven is preheating, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Prepare Ziti Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, lean ground beef, and Italian sausages (removed from casings). Add in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and mix everything together until well combined.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish:

   • Grease a 13 x 19 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. Cover and Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly.

6. Add Cheese and Parsley:

   • Once the ziti bake is heated through, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the cheese for a burst of freshness and flavor.

7. Final Bake:

   • Return the uncovered ziti bake to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the ziti bake from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice into servings. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 440.6
• Fat: 16.4g
• Saturated Fat: 7.5g
• Cholesterol: 56.9mg
• Sodium: 832.1mg
• Carbohydrates: 48.4g
• Fiber: 4.8g
• Sugar: 13.7g
• Protein: 23.3g

Tips for Success:

• To add extra flavor to your ziti bake, consider using your favorite pasta sauce or homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought.
• Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the ziti mixture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.

With its hearty combination of pasta, meats, and cheese, this Easy Ziti Bake is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!