The Perfect Baked Ziti Recipe
Introduction
Are you craving a comforting and cheesy pasta dish? Look no further than baked ziti! This classic Italian-American dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines the flavors of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to indulge in a delicious meal, baked ziti is the perfect choice. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create the ultimate baked ziti that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
– 1 pound of ziti pasta
– 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Steps
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start cooking:
1. Cook the Ziti Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce. Pour half of the remaining sauce over the pasta, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Variations
While the classic baked ziti recipe is a delight on its own, you can also add your own twist to make it even more exciting:
– Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef or Italian sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
– Cheesy Spin: Add a layer of ricotta cheese between the pasta and sauce layers for an extra creamy texture.
– Meat Lover’s Delight: Add cooked bacon or pepperoni slices to the layers for a meaty twist.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your baked ziti turns out perfectly:
– Be sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
– Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the perfect melty and flavorful topping.
– Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This will make it easier to serve and enhance the flavors.
Conclusion
Baked ziti is a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. With its layers of pasta, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that will please the whole family. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own variations, baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering baked ziti that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare baked ziti in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply bake it in the preheated oven according to the recipe instructions.
2. Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until heated through.
3. What can I serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti pairs well with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While ziti is the traditional choice for this dish, you can certainly use other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni if you prefer.
5. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for a family meal or for leftovers throughout the week.
Baked Ziti
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this classic baked ziti recipe. Layers of ziti pasta, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese create a satisfying and delicious dish that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
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Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then brown the ground beef or Italian sausage. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer sauce, pasta, cheese, and repeat. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
