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Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the ground beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Vegetarian Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make baked ziti casserole
Ziti pasta: Provides the base, holding the dish together with its tubular shape, perfect for capturing sauce and cheese.
Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and protein, making the casserole filling and satisfying.
Marinara sauce: Brings a rich, tangy tomato flavor that coats the pasta and meat, tying the dish together.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer that makes each bite irresistible.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor, balancing the savory elements.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste and adds a bit of crunch when baked.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors, making it aromatic and flavorful.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
- Saucepan: essential for browning ground beef and simmering marinara sauce, ensuring flavors meld together perfectly.
- Mixing bowl: needed to combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and seasonings, creating a creamy cheese mixture.
- Baking dish: used to layer pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture, then bake everything into a cohesive casserole.
- Colander: crucial for draining cooked ziti pasta, preventing excess water from diluting the dish.
- Wooden spoon: ideal for stirring meat sauce and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. In a saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- 4. Add the marinara sauce to the ground beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- 5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 6. In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- 7. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the ziti casserole as directed, but don't bake it.
- Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole without baking.
- Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce while it simmers. It adds depth and complexity to the Baked Ziti Casserole.
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