Baked ziti is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the rich flavors of tomato sauce and melted cheese. This baked ziti recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing for a potluck, this baked ziti recipe is your ticket to culinary success.
The Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Steps to Make the Perfect Baked Ziti:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Mix gently to ensure the pasta is well coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, then spread it out as evenly as possible. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Ziti Recipe:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the ziti just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Layer for flavor: The layering technique in this baked ziti recipe ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Let it rest: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
- Make ahead: You can assemble this baked ziti recipe a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Freeze for later: This baked ziti recipe freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
This classic baked ziti recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. If you’re looking for a different protein, try using Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of beef.
For those interested in air fryer dinner ideas, you can even make a smaller portion of this baked ziti recipe in an air fryer. Simply assemble the dish in an air fryer-safe pan and cook at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When it comes to reheating pasta dishes like this baked ziti, the oven or air fryer works best to maintain the crispy top layer. If using an oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
In conclusion, this baked ziti recipe is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best elements of Italian-American cuisine. With its layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s no wonder that baked ziti remains a favorite among baked pasta recipes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this baked ziti recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. So preheat that oven and get ready to enjoy a comforting plate of delicious baked ziti!
FAQ
1. What is baked ziti made of?
Baked ziti is typically made with ziti pasta, a tube-shaped pasta, combined with a tomato-based sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Unlike some assumptions, authentic baked ziti often doesn’t include meat in the base recipe. The dish gets its signature flavor from the blend of cheeses and the slightly crispy texture achieved through baking. Some variations might include ground beef or Italian sausage, but these are modern adaptations rather than traditional components.
2. Is baked ziti basically lasagna?
While baked ziti and lasagna share similarities, they are distinct dishes. Both are baked pasta dishes with cheese and sauce, but the key differences lie in the pasta shape and layering technique. Lasagna uses wide, flat noodles and is carefully layered, while baked ziti uses tube-shaped pasta that’s typically mixed with the sauce and cheese before baking. Baked ziti is generally less structured and easier to prepare than lasagna, making it a popular choice for casual meals.
3. Why is it called ziti?
The term “ziti” comes from the Italian word “zita,” which means “bride.” Historically, ziti pasta was the traditional pasta served at weddings in some regions of Italy, particularly Naples. The smooth, tubular shape of ziti was believed to symbolize prosperity and long life. Over time, the pasta became popular beyond wedding celebrations, and the baked version we know today evolved as a comfort food dish in Italian-American cuisine.
4. Is ziti the same as pasta bake?
While ziti can be used in a pasta bake, not all pasta bakes are ziti. “Pasta bake” is a broader term that can include any type of pasta baked in a casserole dish with sauce and cheese. Baked ziti is a specific type of pasta bake that uses ziti pasta. Other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli can be used in pasta bakes, each creating a slightly different texture and eating experience.
5. How does altitude affect baking ziti?
Altitude can significantly impact the baking process of ziti. At higher elevations (typically above 3,000 feet), water boils at a lower temperature, which can affect both the pasta cooking time and the baking process. You might need to increase the liquid in the recipe, adjust the baking temperature, or extend the cooking time. The cheese may also melt differently, potentially requiring a higher temperature or longer baking time to achieve the desired golden-brown top.
6. Can baked ziti be prepared in a skillet?
Yes, a skillet version of baked ziti is possible and can be a time-saver. This method involves cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce in a large, oven-safe skillet, then adding the cheese and transferring the entire skillet to the oven for the final baking step. This one-pan approach not only reduces cleanup but also creates a nice crust on the bottom of the dish, adding an extra texture element not typically found in traditional baked ziti.
7. How does the choice of tomatoes affect baked ziti?
The type of tomatoes used can significantly influence the flavor and texture of baked ziti. San Marzano tomatoes, for instance, are prized for their sweet flavor and low acidity, which can create a richer, more balanced sauce. Crushed tomatoes will give a smoother texture, while diced tomatoes can add chunks of tomato throughout the dish. Some recipes call for a combination of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to achieve both smoothness and texture. The acidity and water content of the tomatoes can also affect how the cheese melts and how the pasta absorbs the sauce during baking.
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