Cheesy Pizza Ziti Recipe ๐
Indulge in the delightful flavors of pizza with a twist in this mouthwatering Cheesy Pizza Ziti recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish combines the comforting elements of pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese, reminiscent of your favorite pizza toppings. Let’s dive into the recipe:
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni pasta | 3 cups |
| Ground beef | 1/2 pound |
| Black olives | 1/2 cup |
| Mushroom stems and pieces | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Pizza sauce | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 260.6
- Fat Content: 14.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 63.8mg
- Sodium Content: 464.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 16.8g
- Fiber Content: 1.9g
- Sugar Content: 1.5g
- Protein Content: 16.7g
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and thoroughly.
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Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In an ungreased 2 1/2-quart casserole dish, mix together the cooked pasta, browned beef, black olives, mushroom stems and pieces, and pizza sauce until well combined.
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Bake the Ziti:
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through.
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Add Cheese Topping:
- Once heated, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti.
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Final Bake:
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cheese is melted and the ziti is bubbling hot, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair with a glass of your favorite red wine or a refreshing iced tea for a delightful dining experience.
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite pizza toppings such as pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, or any other ingredients you love.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add more veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- This Cheesy Pizza Ziti is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Enjoy the irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and pizza flavors in every bite of this Cheesy Pizza Ziti! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Bon appรฉtit! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ง๐
