Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that never fails to satisfy. This hearty and cheesy pasta bake is perfect for family dinners or simply craving a comforting meal. This blog post will guide you through an easy-to-follow baked ziti recipe

Why ziti Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Most of the items are pantry staples.
• Family-Friendly: Adored by both children and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep and freezing.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 – 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Cheese Layer:
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Fresh parsley chopped, to garnish

Step-by-Step ziti recipe

1. Preheat the oven.

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coat of olive oil.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil the ziti in salted water, following the instructions on the packet for al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces.
• Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Simmer 10 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

4. Mix the Cheese Filling

• Combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella in a large bowl. Combine until smooth.

5. Assemble the Ziti

• Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Add half of the cooked pasta.
• Top with half of the cheese mixture.
• Pour half of the remaining sauce over the layer of cheese.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
• Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

6. Bake until Perfect

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for Baked Ziti recipe

• Use fresh ingredients: fresh garlic and herbs make a difference.
• Make it Your Protein: Substitute beef with ground turkey, chicken, or go vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Double the Recipe: Baked ziti freezes well. Make a second batch for later.

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FAQs

• Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?

A: Absolutely! Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake until golden brown when ready to serve.

• How Do I Reheat Baked Ziti?

A: Reheat in oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes, or until hot.

• Can I freeze the baked ziti?

A: Yes! Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It freezes well for up to 3 months.