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Baked Ziti





Baked Ziti Recipe

Description of the Recipe

Delight in the hearty flavors of baked ziti with this easy recipe featuring layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese. Baked ziti is a comforting and delicious Italian-American casserole dish that combines ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, a blend of cheeses, and often ground meat. This dish is loved for its gooey, cheesy layers and hearty flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings. What makes baked ziti special is its ability to bring together simple ingredients to create a meal that feels both indulgent and homey.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ziti pasta
  • 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 jars (24 ounces each) of marinara sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups of ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Ziti

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Cook the ziti pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

  1. Brown the meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the sauces and seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. Mix the ricotta cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the large egg. Mix until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

  1. Layer the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Follow with half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
  2. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

  1. Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Let it rest: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish the baked ziti with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious, cheesy, and hearty flavors of this comforting dish.

Tips and Variations for Baked Ziti

  • Meat options: You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both for the meat sauce. For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken.
  • Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce.
  • Cheese variations: Use a blend of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago for a different flavor profile.
  • Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicier version.
  • Make it ahead: Baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 1 hour
  • Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 900mg

Historical Facts about Baked Ziti

Baked ziti has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, deriving from traditional Italian baked pasta dishes like pasta al forno. This dish became popular in the United States due to its simplicity and the comforting, hearty meals it provides. Ziti pasta itself is a type of tubular pasta that gets its name from the word “zita,” meaning bride, and was traditionally served at weddings in Southern Italy. Over time, baked ziti has evolved to include various ingredients and preparations, reflecting the diverse tastes of those who make it.