Step 1 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Step 2 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Step 3 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the ziti to the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce.
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Step 4 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Spray an extra-large skillet generously with nonstick cooking spray, then set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until lightly browned, 4-5 minutes.
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Step 5 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Drain the fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the stove, and reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the marinara sauce over the meat and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture.
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Step 6 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Place the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula to thoroughly combine.
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Step 7 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Return the drained ziti to the pot. Add the meat sauce and stir to thoroughly coat the noodles.
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Step 8 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Transfer 1/3 of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Drop half the ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over the ziti, and gently spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Repeat with another 1/3 of the noodles, the remaining ricotta, and another cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with the last 1/3 of noodles. Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the top of the dish.
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Step 9 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.
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Step 10 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Bake the spaghetti on middle rack of oven for 40 minutes.
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Step 11 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking until cheese on top is golden brown, 15 minutes.
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Step 12 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Check to see that ziti is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 13 of 13
Easy Baked Ziti
Allow the ziti to rest for 20 minutes. Before serving, top with parsley if you like.