Everyone in the Family Loves This! We Always End Up with Clean Plates!

You know a recipe is a true winner when everyone — from picky kids to hungry grownups — wipes their plate clean and asks for seconds. That’s exactly what happens every time I make this family-favorite dinner. No fuss, no complaints, and definitely no leftovers.

It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with cozy flavors that feel like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. Best of all, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. This is the kind of recipe you put on repeat — and never get tired of.

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🍽️ The Recipe: Cheesy Baked Ziti (The Ultimate Family Favorite)

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is comfort food at its finest. It’s hearty, cheesy, saucy, and baked to bubbly perfection — the kind of dish that fills the house with mouthwatering smells and brings everyone running to the table.

It’s also incredibly easy to make. No fancy steps, just layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melty cheese. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, Sunday supper, or something to take to a potluck, this is the dish that always disappears first.

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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, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It:

1. Cook the pasta:
Boil ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the meat sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until meat is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.

3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Mix the cheese layer:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a handful of the shredded mozzarella and some grated Parmesan.

5. Assemble the ziti:
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat sauce, dollops of ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, then top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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🌟 Why This Recipe is Always a Hit

• Kid-approved: It’s cheesy and familiar — a guaranteed dinner win.

• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in the morning, bake at night.

• Feeds a crowd: Great for family gatherings or leftovers (if there are any!).

• Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or swap in ground turkey.

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💬 What People Are Saying

• “My kids asked for thirds!”

• “Tastes like something from a restaurant.”

• “Finally — a dinner we all agree on!”

• “Clean plates all around — even from the toddler!”

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🧡 Final Thoughts

When a recipe becomes a family staple, you know it’s something special. This Cheesy Baked Ziti hits all the right notes: comforting, flavorful, easy to make, and — most importantly — loved by everyone at the table.

So if you’re looking for a new go-to dinner that gets rave reviews (and leaves no dishes to scrape), give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making it every week — and never hearing a single complaint.

After all, clean plates don’t lie.