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Have you ever craved a warm, comforting dish that satisfies your hunger and soothes your soul?

Look no further than this Baked Ziti Recipe!

This hearty Italian-American favorite combines tender pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion!

What is Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti is a baked pasta dish that originated in southern Italy and has become a beloved comfort food around the world.

It typically consists of cooked ziti pasta mixed with tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden brown.

The star of the show, ziti pasta, is a tube-shaped pasta similar to penne but with straight-cut edges. Its hollow shape makes it perfect for holding onto sauces and cheese, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

If you enjoy pasta dishes with a cheesy, savory kick, Baked Ziti is likely to be a hit for you and anyone you’re serving it to.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments.

Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Baked Ziti:

  1. Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread or garlic knots on the side for dipping into the sauce and soaking up the delicious flavors of the baked ziti.
  2. Green Salad: Serve a crisp and refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The salad provides a contrast to the richness of the baked ziti and adds a fresh element to the meal.
  3. Steamed Vegetables: Serve steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a nutritious and colorful side dish. The vegetables add texture and balance to the meal.
  4. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing pairs perfectly with the creamy and savory flavors of the baked ziti.
  5. Antipasto Platter: Serve an antipasto platter with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for a delicious and festive appetizer or side dish.
  6. Italian Bread: Serve slices of crusty Italian bread or dinner rolls on the side for mopping up the sauce and enjoying with each bite of baked ziti.
  7. Caprese Salad: Serve a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors complements the Italian-inspired flavors of the baked ziti.
  8. Grilled Chicken: For added protein, serve grilled or roasted chicken alongside the baked ziti. The chicken can be seasoned with Italian herbs and spices for a cohesive flavor profile.
  9. Roasted Garlic: Roast whole garlic bulbs and serve them alongside the baked ziti for spreading on bread or mixing into the pasta for extra flavor.
  10. Red Wine: Pair the baked ziti with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, for a complete Italian dining experience.

These serving suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation of your Baked Ziti, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Baked Ziti turns out perfectly:

  1. Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when baked in the oven.
  2. Seasoning: Taste the sauce before combining it with the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
  3. Mixing Ingredients: When combining the cooked pasta with the sauce and cheese mixture, use a large mixing bowl to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This will help each bite of baked ziti to be flavorful and well-balanced.
  4. Cheese Mixture: For a creamier texture, mix the ricotta cheese with the pasta mixture thoroughly. This will ensure that every bite is rich and creamy.
  5. Layering Cheese: When layering the cheese on top of the ziti, be sure to spread it evenly to cover the entire surface. This will help create a golden and bubbly cheese crust when baked.
  6. Covering with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from burning. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Resting Time: Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice and serve.
  8. Garnish: Garnish the baked ziti with fresh herbs, such as chopped basil or parsley, before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

By following these cooking tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying Baked Ziti that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Enjoy your meal!

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

This classic Baked Ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for feeding a hungry family or for entertaining guests. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound about 450g ziti pasta
  • 1 pound about 450g ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 jars 24-26 ounces each marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces about 425g ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 3 cups about 340g shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup about 100g grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish (9×13 inches) with cooking spray or butter.
  • Cook the Pasta:
    Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, but aim for it to be slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
  • Brown the Meat:
    In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. If using sausage, remove the casings before cooking. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add Aromatics:
    Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent.
  • Season and Sauce:
    Season the meat mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
    In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the beaten egg. This will help bind the cheese mixture together.
  • Layer the Baked Ziti:
    In the prepared baking dish, start by layering half of the cooked ziti. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat Layers:
    Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
  • Final Cheese Layer:
    Finish the dish with a final layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust when baked.
  • Bake:
    Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden.
  • Serve:
    Allow the Baked Ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Keyword Baked Ziti, Baked Ziti Recipe