Introduction
Baked Ziti is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish that is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal.
It combines tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked together to create a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Baked Ziti are straightforward and easy to find. You’ll need one pound of ziti pasta, which serves as the base of the dish.
For the sauce, you’ll need two tablespoons of olive oil, one chopped onion, three minced garlic cloves, and one pound of ground beef.
A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes adds the perfect tangy sweetness to the sauce.
along with one teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano for added flavor. Salt and black pepper to taste are essential for seasoning.
To create the creamy, cheesy layers, you’ll need one 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese, one beaten egg, and two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Finally, one cup of grated Parmesan cheese will be used to top the dish, adding an extra layer of flavor and a golden, crispy finish when baked.
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook.
the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, and stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
To assemble the dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then spoon half of the ricotta mixture over it.
Pour half of the remaining meat sauce on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
Finally, sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
How to Make
Baked Ziti is easy to make, starting with the preparation of the pasta. Boil the ziti in a large pot of salted water until it’s just slightly firm to the bite, which ensures it will hold its shape during baking.
While the pasta is cooking, begin making the sauce. The ground beef gives the sauce its rich, hearty flavor, while the tomatoes and spices add depth and complexity.
The ricotta cheese mixture is crucial to creating that creamy texture inside the dish. By combining.
the ricotta with egg and mozzarella, you create a velvety filling that pairs beautifully with the pasta and sauce.
Layering the dish in stages ensures every bite is filled with cheese, sauce, and pasta.
Once baked, the top of the Baked Ziti becomes golden and slightly crispy, which adds a lovely texture to the soft and creamy layers underneath.
The time spent baking allows all the flavors to come together into one cohesive and mouthwatering dish.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to customize your Baked Ziti to suit different tastes. For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
If you prefer a vegetarian dish, simply omit the meat altogether and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, to the sauce.
For an extra cheesy experience, you can add ricotta to the sauce itself or use a combination of different cheeses.
like provolone or gouda, for a unique twist. If you like a bit of spice, adding red pepper flakes to the sauce can give it a nice kick.
To make this dish more indulgent, try adding a layer of béchamel sauce (white sauce) between the pasta and cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
You can also make a gluten-free version by substituting the ziti pasta with a gluten-free variety.
Another variation is to add a layer of meatballs or sausage for an extra protein boost. If you’re craving a smoky flavor, you can add some bacon or pancetta to the sauce.
Tips
One important tip when making Baked Ziti is to not overcook the pasta. Since it will continue to cook while baking, it’s important to stop boiling the ziti while it’s still slightly firm to the bite.
For a deeper flavor in the sauce, you can simmer it for longer than the recipe suggests. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors develop, creating a richer taste.
When layering the ziti, make sure to evenly distribute the pasta and cheese to ensure every bite is well-balanced.
Additionally, using a baking dish that’s not too deep will help the cheese brown evenly.
If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time, assemble the Baked Ziti but leave off the final layer of cheese until you’re ready to bake.
You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours and bake it straight from the fridge.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese. You can also replace some of the pasta with a vegetable like zucchini or eggplant for added nutrition.
For an extra flavor boost, you can sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top of the baked dish before serving. This will add a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the Baked Ziti.
If you find that your Baked Ziti is too dry after baking, you can always add a bit of extra sauce or a splash of cream to keep it moist and creamy.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile enough to be adapted to different tastes.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
With its layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese, Baked Ziti will undoubtedly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and tips to make it your own, and enjoy the comforting flavors this dish has to offer.