Baked Ziti

This easy baked ziti is a simple pasta casserole kids can help assemble. Add cooked ground beef or sausage if you want a heartier main dish, or leave it meatless.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti or other tube-shaped pasta
• 1 jar (24 ounces) tomato or spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound cooked ground beef or Italian sausage, optional

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti according to the package directions until just tender. Drain.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper and cooked ground meat, if using.
4. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot throughout.
8. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.