I’ve made this dozens of times and the family cannot get enough of this recipe!

 

I’ve Made This Dozens of Times—And the Family Cannot Get Enough of It!

By [Author's Name]

Every home cook has that one recipe—the one that’s requested again and again, the one that never has leftovers, the one that makes your family light up when they realize what’s for dinner.

For me? This is that recipe.

I’ve made it more times than I can count—on busy weeknights, for casual weekend dinners, even for guests who “don’t usually eat seconds”… but somehow always go back for more. It’s easy, it’s comforting, and most importantly—it’s foolproof.

It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just simple, classic flavors that come together in the most satisfying way.

So without further ado, let me share the recipe that has earned permanent status in our family meal rotation—and just might do the same in yours.

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🍽️ Cheesy Baked Ziti (The Ultimate Family Favorite)

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream (trust me!)

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Drain excess fat.

4. Add the sauce: Pour marinara into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes.

5. Mix the cheese layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

6. Assemble the layers:

   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.

   • Add half the cooked pasta.

   • Spoon and spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta.

   • Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella and half the Parmesan.

   • Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the sauce and cheeses.

7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

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🧑‍🍳 Why This Recipe Works Every Time:

• Sour cream in the cheese layer adds an extra creamy, tangy richness—people won’t guess what it is, but they’ll love it.

• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it early, refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven when ready.

• Freezer-friendly: Double the recipe and freeze one for later—you’ll thank yourself.

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🍷 What to Serve With It:

• Garlic bread (obviously!)

• A crisp Caesar salad

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• A glass of red wine (for the grown-ups)

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📝 Final Thoughts

I’ve made this baked ziti more times than I can count—and every single time, it’s a hit. It’s comfort food at its finest: cheesy, saucy, and downright satisfying. Whether you're feeding picky eaters, a hungry crowd, or just looking for a go-to dish that always delivers, this one checks all the boxes.

Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when your family starts asking for it again… and again… and again.