Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American casserole that is hearty, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. This dish is a wonderful amalgamation of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. The layers of gooey cheese and tangy marinara nestled with perfectly cooked ziti provide a delightful treat for the taste buds. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious Baked Ziti that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
6. Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet, mixing well with the meat. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
8. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom.
9. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
10. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it gently.
11. Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer.
12. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
13. Repeat the layers: remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
15. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
16. Allow the Baked Ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.

Servings

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.

Nutritional Information per Serving

Tools Needed

• Large pot
• Strainer
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts
• Cheese grater

Tips for Preparing the Recipe

1. Undercook the Pasta: When boiling the ziti, cook it just shy of al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents overcooked and mushy pasta.
2. Even Layering: For ideal texture and flavor distribution, layer the pasta, sauce, and cheeses evenly in the baking dish.
3. Let it Rest: Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the ingredients settle and makes slicing easier.
4. Taste the Sauce: Before mixing the sauce with pasta, taste it. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and maybe some freshly chopped basil or parsley if needed.
5. Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality mozzarella can elevate the dish significantly.
6. Add Veggies: For a nutritional boost, add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into your sauce.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

Serve the baked ziti hot, straight out of the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread to complete the meal. A robust red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the dish beautifully. For a family-style presentation, transfer the baked ziti directly to the dining table in the baking dish for everyone to help themselves.

Storage Conditions

Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions: wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Health Benefits

Baked ziti offers a balanced mix of macronutrients: carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair, and fats for satiety. The dish provides a good source of calcium and iron, crucial for bone health and blood oxygenation. When vegetables are added, it can also offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote overall health.

Recommendations for Vegans

For a vegan version of baked ziti, replace the traditional cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond ricotta, vegan mozzarella, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use a marinara sauce without animal products, and add a variety of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and eggplant for added nutrition and texture.

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• Stuffed Shells: Large pasta shells filled with ricotta, spinach, and marinara sauce.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Breaded and baked eggplant slices layered with marinara and cheese.
• Penne alla Vodka: Creamy tomato sauce with penne pasta.
• Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni: Tubes of pasta filled with spinach and ricotta, baked in marinara and white sauce.