Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta dish, celebrated for its comforting and hearty nature. It’s a beloved family favorite, often served at gatherings and potlucks due to its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing qualities. This dish is a satisfying combination of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce, baked to perfection in the oven.
The preparation of Baked Ziti begins with cooking ziti pasta, a smooth, tubular pasta that perfectly holds the sauce and cheese. The pasta is typically cooked until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook and absorb flavors in the oven. The choice of pasta is crucial as ziti’s shape and texture are ideal for layering and baking in a casserole form.
The heart of the dish lies in its sauce and cheese components. The sauce used is often a rich and flavorful marinara, simmered with herbs like basil and oregano. Some variations include adding ground meat to the sauce for extra flavor and protein. The cheese mixture typically includes ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for stretchy gooeyness, and Parmesan for a sharp, nutty flavor. The cheeses blend seamlessly with the tomato sauce, creating a creamy and indulgent layer.
Assembly and baking are the final steps in creating this comforting dish. The cooked ziti is mixed with the marinara sauce and layered in a baking dish, interspersed with generous scoops of the cheese mixture. The top layer usually features more sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, which will melt and brown beautifully in the oven. Baked until bubbly and golden on top, the dish emerges with a tantalizing aroma and a melty, cheesy crust.
In summary, Baked Ziti is a quintessential comfort food, combining tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a trio of cheeses. Its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd make it a go-to choice for family meals and social gatherings. The finished dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a warm and hearty meal that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort.
Baked Ziti: A Classic Comfort Food! | S2Recipes
Details Baked Ziti Recipes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Servings: 10
Yield: 1 9x13-inch casserole
Ingredients For Baked Ziti Recipes
1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 ½ cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions: Baked Ziti Recipes
Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
Step 2: Meanwhile, brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat; stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Spread 1/2 of the ziti in the bottom of the prepared dish; top with Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 of the meat sauce, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese, and remaining meat sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and cheeses have melted, about 30 minutes.
Perfectly cooked Ziti. My go to recipe and is absolutely delicious!
I’ve made this quite a few times. It’s delicious as is, but most of the time, I make my own sauce with hot Italian sausage.
This is my go to for ziti since I found this recipe last year. My husband doesn’t like cottage cheese or ziti and that’s why I tried this one. He loves it. I make no changes at all. I’m always asked for the recipe when I’m take it to functions.
Added some mushrooms and peppers - along with the meat. Yum
I season my ground beef with adobo garlic powder and onion. I also spray the dish with olive oil cooking spray then put a little sauce at the bottom of the Pan before I put the noodles.Covered for 15 minutes then uncovered for 20 until hot and bubbly.I used Bertolli tomato and basil sauce. I did add my own chopped up green and red peppers to the sauce.
SOOOOOOO good. If anyone is interested, i used the following ingredients because I was too lazy to buy ingredients and it was what I had on hand: greek yogurt (0% fat) instead of sour cream , ground turkey meat, sliced swiss cheese instead of provolone. I did add a whole bunch of dried italian herbs/spices (eyeballed), and fresh garlic. Oh, and I used fusili because i didn't have ziti. Super easy (even when substituting stuff), super tasty....perfect!
Very tasty. Enjoyed by all 7 at the dinner table. Next time I'll add a spicy sausage to give it a little more kick.
No changes to an already fabulous meal!
I made a savory white sauce . Good recipe. Much better Ziti with this.
✅What are the essential ingredients for a classic Baked Ziti recipe?
A classic Baked Ziti recipe typically includes ziti pasta, marinara sauce, a blend of cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, along with seasonings like garlic, basil, and oregano. These ingredients combine to create a comforting, Italian-inspired dish that's both flavorful and satisfying.
✅Can Baked Ziti be made vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely, Baked Ziti can easily be adapted for a vegetarian or vegan diet. For a vegetarian version, simply omit any meat and ensure the cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan variation, use plant-based cheeses and a vegan marinara sauce, and replace the pasta with a vegan alternative if necessary.
✅How can I add more protein to my Baked Ziti dish?
To increase the protein content in Baked Ziti, consider incorporating ingredients like ground beef, Italian sausage, or grilled chicken. For a vegetarian source of protein, adding cooked lentils or a mix of beans can be an excellent choice.
✅Is it possible to prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, Baked Ziti is an ideal dish for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it before baking, or even bake it completely and reheat when ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for busy schedules or for meal prep.
✅What are some healthy side dishes to serve with Baked Ziti?
Pairing Baked Ziti with healthy side dishes like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread made from whole grain bread can balance the meal. These sides not only add nutritional value but also complement the rich and hearty flavors of the Baked Ziti.
