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The Best Baked Ziti: A Comforting Twist with Turkey Bacon and Beef

The Best Baked Ziti
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The Best Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that combines the flavors of turkey bacon and beef, perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 ounces turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped turkey bacon and cook until crispy.
  4. Add the ground beef and garlic to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, basil, egg, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
  7. In a large baking dish, layer half of the ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers.
  8. Top the final layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Ziti, Turkey Bacon, Beef, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://www.bakeorshake.com/the-best-baked-ziti/