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Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. This hearty casserole features tender ziti pasta mixed with a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s baked to perfection, with a golden, bubbly top and a flavorful, cheesy interior. The best part is, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Baking Dish (9×13 inch)
- Colander
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley optional garnish
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage (or ground beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Prepare the sauce:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Mix the cheeses:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the baked ziti:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer. Repeat with another layer of ziti, followed by the rest of the sauce. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve:
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Tips
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Add veggies: For extra nutrition, sauté spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the onions and sausage.
- Customize the cheese: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for a richer, cheesier baked ziti.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg