Easy Baked Ziti

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Place a large pot of well-salted water on to boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the ziti cooks, make the meat sauce. In a large skillet, add the olive oil, onion, and bacon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the bacon is cooked and the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until no pink color remains in the ground beef.

Step 5

Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, celery seed, salt, and ground black pepper stirring well. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the meat sauce from the heat and add the drained pasta and 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese. Stir together until evenly combined.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into an ovenproof baking dish or pan. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and the grated Parmesan.

Step 8

Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.