Italian Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Basil

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 02
   Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 03
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. 04
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. 05
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7 minutes.
6. 06
   Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
7. 07
   Combine the cooked ziti with the sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella in a large baking dish. Mix well.
8. 08
   Top the ziti mixture with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. 09
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. 10
    Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.