Baked Ziti [0001068]

Ingredients:

12 ounces gluten-free ziti or penne pasta
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 jar (24 ounces) gluten-free marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (gluten-free)
1 cup ricotta cheese (gluten-free)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (gluten-free)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Cook the gluten-free ziti or penne pasta according to the package instructions until it's just slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or ground turkey) over medium heat until it's cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the gluten-free marinara sauce, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

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

Layer half of the cooked gluten-free pasta over the sauce.

Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.

Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let your Gluten-Free Baked Ziti rest for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired and enjoy this comforting gluten-free pasta dish!