Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight

$- 12 oz ziti pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced Baked ziti starts with ziti pasta. This pasta shape holds sauce and cheese well. Next is ground beef. It adds protein and flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic bring depth to the dish. These ingredients create a tasty base. - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) For the sauce, I use crushed tomatoes and marinara. These provide a rich, tangy flavor. Italian seasoning adds herbs that make the dish flavorful. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil for garnish Cheese is key in baked ziti. I use ricotta for creaminess. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and adds stretch. Grated Parmesan gives a salty kick. Fresh basil on top is a nice touch. It adds color and freshness to the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and cook the ziti pasta Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps create a nice, warm environment for baking. While the oven heats, cook 12 oz of ziti pasta. Follow the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. 2. Sauté ground beef, onions, and garlic Next, grab a large skillet. Set it over medium heat and add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it until it turns brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add in 1 small diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir well until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step adds great flavor. 3. Combine crushed tomatoes and marinara Once the meat is ready, stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of marinara sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and if you like heat, toss in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Let this mix simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help all the flavors come together. 4. Mix in cooked ziti and ricotta In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the beef mixture. Next, add in 2 cups of ricotta cheese. Mix everything well until the pasta is completely coated with the sauce. This creates a rich and creamy base. 5. Layering the dish and adding cheese Now, take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over this layer. Then, add the rest of the pasta mixture on top. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. 6. Baking times and tips for perfect cheese topping Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to get bubbly and golden brown. Once finished, let the dish cool for 5 minutes before slicing. If you like, garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. To make the best baked ziti, choose the right pasta. I always use ziti because it holds sauce well. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta right after cooking to stop the cooking process. When mixing, stir gently. You want to coat every piece of pasta with sauce and cheese. This ensures every bite gets the same great flavor. Cheese choice can change the whole dish. I love using ricotta for its creamy texture. Mozzarella adds that gooey stretch we all love. Parmesan gives a nice sharp flavor that enhances the dish. For layering, start with half the pasta mix at the bottom. Then sprinkle a cup of mozzarella on top for a cheesy base. Add the rest of the pasta and finish with more mozzarella and Parmesan. This way, each bite is cheesy and delicious. Baked ziti pairs well with a simple salad. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is another great choice. It soaks up extra sauce and complements the meal. For a drink, consider serving a light red wine or sparkling water. This makes for a complete and satisfying family meal. Pro Tips Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality cheeses and tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your baked ziti significantly. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference; you can also add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick! Layering is Key: Make sure to evenly layer the pasta and cheese for consistent melting and flavor throughout the dish. Let it Rest: Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before slicing; this helps the layers set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} If you want to change the meat in your baked ziti, you have great options. Ground turkey is a lean choice. It keeps the dish light while still being tasty. Ground chicken works too. Both meats can soak up the flavors well. For those who prefer no meat, try using lentils or mushrooms. These add texture and flavor. You can also use plant-based ground meat. It gives a similar taste and feel to traditional ground beef. You can switch up the sauce for a new taste. Alfredo sauce gives a creamy twist. Pesto adds great herbs and fresh flavor. Both options can make your baked ziti unique. You can choose homemade or store-bought sauces. Homemade sauce tastes fresh and can be healthier. Store-bought sauce is quick and easy. I recommend looking for brands with fewer preservatives for the best flavor. Adding veggies boosts the nutrition in your baked ziti. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. They blend nicely with the pasta and cheese. You can also add cooked spinach or shredded carrots. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes. They add a nice kick. You can also use Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Adjust the spices to match your taste. After enjoying Baked Ziti, you may have some left. Here’s how to store it: - Refrigerating: Allow the dish to cool down. Then, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. - Duration: Baked Ziti lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. When it’s time to reheat, you want to keep it tasty. Here are some tips: - Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture inside. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s warm all the way through. - Microwave method: Use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. - Refreshing cheese: To make the cheese bubbly again, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating. It’ll melt beautifully and add flavor. Making Baked Ziti takes about one hour. First, you spend 20 minutes to prep. This includes cooking the pasta and browning the beef. Then, you cook it in the oven for around 40 minutes. This time includes baking with foil and finishing without it. Yes, you can make Baked Ziti ahead of time. To do this, prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll have a hot meal ready when you need it. If you don’t have ricotta cheese, use cottage cheese. It has a similar texture. You can also try cream cheese for a richer taste. Both options will change the flavor a bit but still work well in this dish. Baked Ziti is a warm and tasty dish made with simple ingredients. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor and texture. You can even try fun variations or add your favorite veggies. Store it right to keep it fresh. Enjoy sharing this meal with family or friends. The love you put into making it adds to its great taste. Happy cooking!$

Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight

A delicious baked pasta dish with layers of ziti, beef, and cheese.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
to taste Salt and pepper
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated.
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over the layer.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and all the grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword baked ziti, cheesy, comfort food, pasta