Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta Cheese: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic
This baked ziti recipe with ricotta cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It's a comforting, cheesy, and delicious pasta bake perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress. This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, resulting in a ziti dish that's both satisfying and elegant. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings. Adjust quantities as needed for your crowd.
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For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
- 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
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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For the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Other Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan 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, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be! Stir in the parsley (if using) during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Cook the Ziti:
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers: remaining ziti, remaining ricotta mixture, and top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the ziti is heated through. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Ziti:
- Don't overcook the ziti: Slightly undercooked ziti will finish cooking in the oven and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste!
- Add some vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to your meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or spices to create your own unique baked ziti recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious baked ziti with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
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