Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti
An easy baked ziti features ground beef and a tomato sauce layered with melted mozzarella, perfect for make-ahead meals.
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 F, butter a 2 1/2-quart baking dish, and start boiling well-salted water.
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Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped onion, and 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper; cook until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are tender.
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Drain fat from beef. Stir in 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil, then simmer.
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Cook 8 ounces ziti pasta al dente in boiling water. Drain and combine with the meat mixture and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
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Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned.