Baked Ziti Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
Baked ziti is a beloved pasta bake, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. This recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that's guaranteed to be a hit. Let's dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- Pasta: 1 pound ziti pasta (or other tubular pasta)
- Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combination)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cheese Filling:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for a perfect baked ziti every time:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Important: Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In the prepared baking dish, spread about 1/3 of the meat sauce. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ziti. Top with another 1/3 of the meat sauce, then the remaining ziti, and the remaining ricotta cheese mixture. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire dish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the ziti is heated through. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations for the Best Baked Ziti:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Sauté some bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms with the meat for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Make ahead: Assemble the ziti ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
This baked ziti recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #BakedZitiRecipe on social media!
