The Ultimate Baked Ziti

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever have one of those days? You know, the kind where only pure comfort will do? Honestly, that’s when the Best Baked Ziti comes to mind.

It's like a warm hug from your Nonna, even if you don't have one!

Brief Overview

This classic Italian Baked Ziti is proper comfort food. It's a dish with simple ingredients, a rich history, and makes enough to feed the whole fam.

Although the recipe involves a few steps, they're all easy enough. It takes about an hour and fifteen minutes, serves around 8-10 people, and is worth every single second.

Main Benefits

This Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole isn't just delicious; it's packed with protein from the beef and dairy. It's also perfect for family get-togethers or those "I can't be bothered to cook" kinda nights.

What makes this recipe special? It’s dead easy to make. You can customize it, and everyone always loves it.

Want to know how to get started?

Building the Flavours: The Magic Sauce

Alright, let's talk sauce. We're making a killer Baked Ziti Homemade Sauce here!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Ziti Pasta with a Cheesy, Creamy Twist

Now for the cheese! Here’s what you need:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Additional fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Assembling the Best Baked Ziti

Right, let's get cracking. This is where the magic happens! First off cook your pasta al dente. We don’t want mush.

Layer it all in a 9x13 dish: sauce, pasta, ricotta mix, more pasta, more sauce, then that lovely mozzarella on top.

Pop it in the oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for about 25 minutes, until it's bubbly and golden.

Then, and this is important, let it rest for ten minutes before serving. Trust me on this one. Now you know How To Make Ziti Pasta

Tips for the Ultimate Bake Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef

Don't overcook the pasta. Get the best quality tomatoes. Let it rest. Want a vegetarian version? Skip the beef and add some veggies! Job done.

So, there you have it. A Classic Baked Ziti that's guaranteed to impress.

Enjoy!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Baked Ziti

Right then, let's talk about what you need to make this Best Baked Ziti . Honestly, it's not rocket science. But good ingredients make a world of difference.

This is proper comfort food ziti recipe , the kind that just hugs you from the inside out. Forget takeaways!

Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

Okay, here's what you'll need, measured out perfectly. Don't skimp, alright?

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Go for extra virgin if you can.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Look for beef that's not too fatty. About 80/20 is a good shout.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped (150g, about 1 cup) . Brown or white, doesn't matter too much.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Fresh is best, you know?
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) . San Marzano if you're feeling fancy!
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) . Any old tomato sauce will do.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Adds that classic Italian flavour.
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Similar to Oregano, a cornerstone of italian cuisine.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional). For a bit of a kick.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped (20g) . Fresh is always better.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) . Whole milk ricotta is creamier, trust me.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten (60g) . Helps bind the ricotta.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated (25g) . Freshly grated is the bomb, diggity.
• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Obvs!
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded (200g) . Low-moisture mozzarella is best for melting.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Now, for the bits that really make the dish sing.

• Essential Spices: Oregano and Basil are your Italian Baked Ziti foundation. Don't forget the salt and pepper!
• Flavor Enhancers: Garlic and parsley bring everything to life. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat if you like. You can also use a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes in your Baked Ziti Homemade Sauce .
• Quick Subs: No fresh parsley? Use dried, but half the amount. Seriously though it's not as good! No red pepper flakes? A dash of hot sauce will do the trick

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You don't need a million gadgets, thank goodness.

• Large Pot: For your sauce. A Dutch oven is great if you have one, but not essential for this Bake Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef .
• Large Saucepan: To cook the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the pasta. No soggy bottoms here!
• Mixing Bowl: For the ricotta mixture.
• 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: This is what your Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is baking in.

That's it! Nothing too scary. Now you're all set to make some truly Easy Baked Ziti Recipe !.

The Ultimate Baked Ziti: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food

Honestly, who doesn't love a Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole ? It's like a warm hug in a dish. I am going to share with you how to make it.

This Comfort Food Ziti Recipe is proper lush and always a crowd pleaser. Forget Deliveroo, this Italian Baked Ziti is what you need.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get everything ready. Chop your onion and garlic. Grab that tinned tomatoes.

Measure out your spices. Having all your ingredients at the ready is the key. It means you can focus on the actual cooking.

It will also help save time. I mean, no one wants to be faffing about looking for oregano. Oh, and a little note from me, always wash your hands and keep your surfaces clean.

You know? Safety first, kids!

Let's Get Cooking: Bake Ziti Easy Steps

This Bakes Ziti Easy if you follow these steps.

1. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic . Cook until softened, about 5 minutes .
3. Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper . Simmer for 20 minutes , stirring occasionally. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley . Now you have your Baked Ziti Homemade Sauce.
4. Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it like you just won the lottery.
5. Mix 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a bowl.
6. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Spread a bit of meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer half the pasta. Dollop the ricotta mixture on top. Add the remaining pasta and meat sauce. Sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese .
7. Bake for 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This gives you time to garnish it.

Pro Tips for a Cracking Best Baked Ziti

Don't overcook the pasta, you know? Al dente is key for the Best Baked Ziti . Soggy pasta is a cardinal sin! Also, use good quality tomatoes.

It makes a huge difference. Lastly, let the ziti rest before serving. It helps the flavors meld together. The best Easy Baked Ziti Recipe.

You can make the meat sauce ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day. It's all about planning, innit? Enjoy your Classic Baked Ziti .

Now you know How To Make Ziti Pasta ! I am sure you will love this Bake Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef as much as I do.

Recipe Notes for the Best Baked Ziti Ever!

Right then, you've got the recipe for my legendary Best Baked Ziti . But before you dive in and start channeling your inner Italian grandma, let's have a chinwag about some little things that can make a big difference.

Honestly, these tips can turn a good Easy Baked Ziti Recipe into something truly special.

Serving Up Some Deliciousness

Plating and presentation, eh? I always reckon a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens things up. A dollop of extra ricotta on each serving? Pure indulgence, my friend.

Serve it straight from the dish for that rustic, family style vibe or plate it up fancy if you're feeling posh! As for sides, garlic bread is a classic.

Can't beat it, really! A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely too. And a glass of Chianti? Well, that's just the cherry on top for this Classic Baked Ziti dish.

Sorted Storage Secrets for Your Baked Ziti Homemade Sauce

Leftovers? If there's any left, that is! Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for 3-4 days .

When you are thinking How To Make Ziti Pasta to keep for longer, you can portion it out and freeze it for up to 2 months .

To reheat, the oven is best. Cover with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Microwave works too, but it might get a tad mushy. No worries, it will still taste good!

Mixing It Up: Variations On A Theme

Fancy a change? Go veggie! Swap the ground beef for roasted veggies like aubergine and courgette. Makes a smashing Comfort Food Ziti Recipe , honest! For a lighter option, try using ground turkey instead of beef.

You can swap your ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option when you Bake Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef .

Got someone who's gluten-free coming over? No problem! Just use gluten-free pasta!

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Alright, let's keep it real. This Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is pure comfort food. A serving clocks in around 450-550 calories.

You get a good hit of protein (30-35g) and carbs (45-55g). But hey, it's all about balance, innit? Maybe skip the extra cheese.

.. nah, I'm joking. A bit of what you fancy does you good!

So there you have it! All my little secrets for the Italian Baked Ziti . Now get in that kitchen and get cooking! Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own.

And most importantly, have fun! Honestly, I have had a good laugh creating this Bakes Ziti Easy recipe and hope you enjoy making it for you and your loved ones.