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Baked Ziti is one of those comforting dishes that brings everyone to the table. Imagine layers of ziti pasta, ground beef, and cheese all baked to perfection. It's hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into this deliciousness!
The name of the recipe: Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the beef and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need for This Dish
Read more: Baked Ziti with Ricotta Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make baked ziti
- Ziti pasta: Holds the sauce and cheese well, creating a hearty, satisfying base for the dish.
- Ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein, making the dish more filling.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, tomato-based flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the savory elements.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer that everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Essential Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make baked ziti
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the ziti pasta to the perfect tenderness before baking.
- Skillet: Used to brown the ground beef and simmer the marinara sauce, combining flavors.
- Mixing bowl: Needed to mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses for the creamy layer.
- Baking dish: Holds the layered pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture while baking to a bubbly, golden finish.
- Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the meat sauce and mixing the cheese blend evenly.
Baked Ziti Recipe
A classic Italian-American comfort dish, perfect for family dinners.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti pasta
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 24 oz Marinara sauce
- 2 cups Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- 4. Add the marinara sauce to the beef and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6. In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers.
- 7. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- 9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add some fresh basil or parsley on top for garnish.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook pasta and meat sauce as directed.
- Assemble ziti in baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Freezing Instructions
- Follow make-ahead steps.
- Wrap dish in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw in fridge overnight before baking.
- Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
Using ricotta cheese in baked ziti not only adds creaminess but also helps balance the acidity of the marinara sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work well as substitutes.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
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