Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Holiday Comfort Food Done Right
- Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Classic
- The Magic of Easy Recipes at Christmas
- From Our Kitchen to Yours: Family Favorites
- Cozy Nights Call for Comfort Food
- How Betty Cooks Brings the Joy of Homemade
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This Christmas Cheesy Baked Ziti from Betty at Betty Cooks is the perfect combination of cozy, festive, and incredibly satisfying. With layers of melty cheese, savory marinara, and pasta, it’s the kind of easy recipe that brings everyone around the table with smiles. Whether you’re planning a holiday meal or need something delicious for a chilly winter night, this dish delivers.
Holiday Comfort Food Done Right
There’s something magical about easy recipes that bring people together without stress. This cheesy baked ziti is a holiday winner—oozing with melty cheese, layered with flavor, and effortless to make. If you’re looking for holiday dinner recipes that feel homemade but don’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, this one’s a sure bet.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Classic
With just a few pantry staples and classic ingredients like ziti pasta, ricotta, and marinara sauce, you’ll have a dish that’s rich, filling, and crowd-pleasing. It’s a great go-to for dinner recipes or family meals, especially when comfort food is a must. Add a fresh salad and garlic bread, and you’ve got a full holiday spread.
The Magic of Easy Recipes at Christmas
This recipe is one of those quick and easy recipes that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re short on time or energy during the busy season, having reliable recipes for dinner that feel festive is a gift in itself. Just one taste and you’ll see why this one made the holiday favorites list at Betty Cooks.
From Our Kitchen to Yours: Family Favorites
Over at Betty Cooks, we’re all about recipes that make you feel at home. This dish is a celebration of the best parts of the season—comfort, ease, and lots of cheese! From cheesey potatoes easy recipe ideas to butter swim biscuits easy recipes, this ziti fits right in with family-favorite meals that bring joy.
Cozy Nights Call for Comfort Food
When the holiday lights are twinkling and the nights are cold, easy recipes like this one warm up the table and the heart. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a cozy Christmas Eve dinner. Plus, it’s a lifesaver for fans of chicken stirfry easy recipe nights looking for a switch-up without a fuss.
How Betty Cooks Brings the Joy of Homemade
Betty’s approach to food is simple: make it warm, make it hearty, and make it easy. This Christmas Cheesy Baked Ziti is everything you need in one casserole dish. With influences from easy recipes ninja creami treats to holiday comfort staples, it’s a dish that fits right into your regular rotation—even after the holidays pass.
Notes & Tips
For best results, cook the pasta just until al dente—it will continue to soften in the oven. You can prep everything ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Feel free to swap out the beef for ground turkey or even sausage for a different flavor profile. And don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish—it adds just the right touch of brightness.
Easy Recipes: Christmas Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese mixture and half of the meat sauce.
- Spread a layer of the remaining meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the ziti mixture on top, then pour the remaining sauce over everything.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot!
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