Baked Ziti

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd? Baked Ziti is a hearty Italian-American dish packed with tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and flavorful Italian herbs. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks. This recipe is bound to be a hit at your dining table.

Prep Time: 15 mins                          Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr                               Servings: 8

Yield: 1 9×13-inch casserole

Author: Siddhanath Metkari

Tools for this recipe:

1. Garlic Press
2. Microplane
3. Wire whisk
4. a big pot
5. Sharp knife
6. bowl
7. skillet
8. kitchen tongs
9. 1 9×13-inch casserole

Baked Ziti Recipe Video:

Credit: Natashas Kitchen

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Filling:

1. 1-pound ziti pasta
2. 1-pound ground beef or Italian sausage
3. 1 medium onion, diced
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
6. 1 cup ricotta cheese
7. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
8. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
9. 1 large egg
10. 1 tsp dried basil
11. 1 tsp dried oregano
12. Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

1. 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3. Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat a big pot of water with salt until it reaches a rolling boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

• In a spacious skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat.
• Once it’s nicely cooked, toss in the onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes tender. Then, add the garlic and let it cook for another minute.
• Pour in the marinara sauce, season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

• Apply a light coating of the meat sauce to the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Add half the cooked pasta, followed by half the ricotta mixture, and half the meat sauce. Continue layering with the rest of the pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
• Top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, take off the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Allow the baked ziti to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before you serve it. Top it off with fresh basil leaves to add a splash of color and enhance the flavor.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti:

• Pasta Choice: If ziti isn’t available, substitute penne or rigatoni for similar results.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
• Freezing: Freeze baked ziti (before or after baking) in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti:

• Salads: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Sides: Garlic bread or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments.
• Drinks: Serve with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon.

This Baked Ziti recipe delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness you crave in a simple, family-friendly dish. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a warm dinner or a lively celebration. Try it tonight and savor every bite.

Nutrition Information:

Health Benefits of Baked Ziti:

1. Rich in Protein: Contains ground meat and cheese, supporting muscle repair and growth.
2. Energy Boosting: Pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
3. Bone Health: Dairy ingredients like mozzarella and Parmesan offer calcium.
4. Heart Health: Use of lean meat or plant-based substitutes can reduce saturated fat intake.
5. Immune Support: Garlic and onions in the sauce are packed with antioxidants.
6. Weight Management: Balanced macronutrients keep you feeling full longer.
7. Gut Health: Fiber from pasta and optional veggies aids digestion.
8. Brain Function: Iron-rich beef supports oxygen transport to the brain.
9. Easy to Customize: Adding vegetables like spinach boosts nutrient content.
10. Mood Enhancing: Carbs in pasta may improve serotonin levels, contributing to a happier mood.

Storage Instructions:

1. Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
2. Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked ziti in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe glass or aluminum pans for easier reheating.

Reheating and Reuse Instructions:

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through.
• Stovetop: For smaller portions, use a skillet with a splash of water or sauce. Heat on low with a lid.

Reuse Ideas:

• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use leftover ziti as a filling for halved, hollowed-out bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender.
• Soup Base: Add chunks of baked ziti to a tomato or broth-based soup for a hearty twist.
• Ziti Skillet: Sauté leftovers with extra veggies for a quick stovetop meal.

This Baked Ziti recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering both comfort and nutrition. Perfect for meal preps, gatherings, or any weeknight dinner, it’s a dish you’ll revisit again and again.

FAQ’s

You may also like…

1. Pesto Penne Pasta
2. Sausage Mushroom Pasta
3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
4. Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
5. Healthy Vegetable Lasagna
6. Mexican Pasta
7. Pumpkin Fettuccini with Chicken