Let’s face it: sometimes, a good, creamy, and cheesy pasta baked to perfection is exactly what we want. We’re talking about a dish that nourishes and sustains us that doesn’t require any culinary training. The baked ziti is one such dish, and it is amazingly flexible – once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be prepared to embrace different variations. Made in layers with cheese, tomato sauce, and meat or veggies, baked ziti is great for parties, with enough for everyone’s plate. Its warm and comforting flavors make it a decadent feast for every occasion – and everyone will enjoy it. The sight of the melted cheese and the rich tomato sauce will make everyone’s mouth water, and the savory flavors will surely leave you longing for more. The delicious baked ziti recipe includes instructions, tips, and variations for an exquisitely well-prepared dish.
Ingredients
This delicious baked ziti recipe combines some simple on-hand ingredients to create a complex blend of flavor and texture. The ingredients include:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 Tbps olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ lbs ground meat (such as beef, pork, or turkey)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 425°F. Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti and cook it according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent – about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, oregano, and black pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Up the heat and add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes over the cooked meat and, stirring occasionally, let the mixture come to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly and let it cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix with the cooked ziti and set aside.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread one layer of the meat mixture over the bottom. Next, spread the ziti and cheese mixture in an even layer on top. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the ziti and pour the remaining meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the meat layer, and bake the baked ziti in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
If you’re in the mood to try something new, here are a few ideas for variations on this delicious baked ziti recipe:
Mixed Grains
For a nutritional boost, try substituting half of the ziti with an equal amount of any whole-grain pasta or a packet of mixed grains like quinoa or spiralized squash.
Veggie-Packed
To increase the healthiness of the dish, stir in some fresh or frozen veggies. Consider spinach, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. Simply sauté the chosen veggies with the onions in the skillet before adding the garlic, and then follow the rest of the recipe as directed.
Spicy Red Sauce
For a bit of a kick, stir 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a couple of dashes of hot sauce into the tomato sauce. The spiciness will stand out nicely against the creamy ricotta cheese and the rich meat mix.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Ziti
Follow these helpful tips to ensure that your scumptious baked ziti is an amazing success:
- Use quality ricotta cheese for a creamy and delicious dish.
- Make sure the ricotta mixture is thoroughly combined with the pasta for even flavoring.
- Don’t skimp on the mozzarella cheese – you want a nice cheesy crust on top.
- Bake the dish uncovered for the best results.
Conclusion
Now that you know exactly how to make this wonderful dish, it’s time to start gathering your ingredients and getting it in the oven. This delicious baked ziti recipe is a great go-to for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish to fend off the chill or a festive meal to celebrate with friends and family. Its complex blend of fragrances and flavors make it a real crowd-pleaser. With the basic recipe and a few variations in your culinary arsenal, your delectable creation will bring rave reviews every time, ensuring that you’ll be looked to as the master of baked pasta perfection.
