Classic Baked Ziti with Ricotta

This baked ziti with ricotta recipe is pure comfort food, y'all! Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for meal trains or a cozy weeknight dinner! Get the recipe now.

Right, let's dive straight in, shall we?

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving something seriously comforting? then, look no further. this baked ziti with ricotta recipe is calling your name.

Honestly, the rich tomato sauce mixed with creamy ricotta? it's just chef's kiss .

Brief Overview

Baked ziti with ricotta , in its heart, is italian-american comfort food. you know, the kind your nonna used to make – if you had an italian nonna, that is.

It's proper easy diner fare, taking about an hour to put together. this serves about 8 hungry people.

Main Benefits

It is a brilliant source of protein and calcium! ideal for a meal train recipes or a family get-together, this baked ziti casserole is special.

It's that perfect blend of homely and satisfying. it even works as one of your easy chinese recipes when you want to give it a new twist.

Right, so you're probably thinking, "what makes this better than any other baked ziti recipe ?". fair play. the secret's in the sauce – simple, but bursting with flavour.

Ready for the ingredient list? let's do this thing, then!

If you're looking for a pasta dinner recipes using something versatile like ground beef baked recipes , you can easily adapt this.

Plus, it is one of the easy dishes with ground beef you can make. you can even make it with easy ziti recipes ground beef or bakes ziti with ground beef .

This will totally become your next perfect dinner idea ground beef . just make sure that you have the ingredients prepared, and you will have one of your most favorite easy oven bake meals .

You can also try with other pasta or pasta dishes recipes ground beef . don't worry if you do not have ground beef.

This is the ultimate meals to cook with ground beef .

Alright, let’s dive into what you need to whip up this ridiculously good baked ziti with ricotta ! it's easier than you think, honestly.

Think of it as a delicious, crowd-pleasing hug in a dish.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Right, so baked ziti with ricotta isn’t scary. i promise! this easy baked ziti recipe is all about quality ingredients and a little bit of love.

Plus, it's a fantastic addition to any meal train recipes , everyone loves it.

Main Ingredients: The Italian Dream Team

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Good quality stuff, you know? Makes all the difference in the sauce.
• Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. About 1 cup . Get a nice yellow one, they're sweeter.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic = flavour bomb.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) . Look for the good stuff, makes the sauce richer.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) . This adds body and balances the acidity.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Essential Italian herb, trust me.
• Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon . Complements the oregano perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional) . For a little kick, if you're feeling brave!
• Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper . Seasoning is key!
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon . Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Don't skip this!
• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (454g) . Ziti is classic, but penne works in a pinch.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) . Go for whole milk. So creamy!
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten. Binds the ricotta filling together.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup grated, plus extra for topping. This brings the cheesy goodness
• Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon (optional) . Just a tiny bit enhances the ricotta flavour.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded, divided. Melty, gooey perfection.

Seasoning Notes: Italian Aromatics Unleashed

The oregano and basil are non-negotiable. but, feel free to get creative! a pinch of fennel seed can add a lovely anise flavour.

Some folks love adding a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers, just remember to take it out before serving.

You know, it can take this baked ziti casserole to the next level. and speaking of easy, if you’re ever stuck for easy chinese recipes , just chuck some soy sauce, ginger and garlic into a stir fry, sorted!.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large Pot: For boiling the ziti. Obvious, but gotta mention it!
• Large Skillet or Saucepan: For making that amazing sauce.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The classic casserole size.
• Mixing Bowls: For prepping the filling and tossing the pasta.

Honestly, you probably already have all this stuff! don’t stress about fancy equipment. this baked ziti recipe is all about keeping it real and using what you’ve got.

You will have the perfect pasta dinner recipes that suits your friends and family preferences. let’s get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into making the absolute queen of comfort food: baked ziti with ricotta . honestly, if you're looking for that dish that just makes everything feel right, this is it.

It’s total easy diner vibes. plus, who doesn't love pasta dinner recipes ? we will create the best baked ziti casserole and easy baked ziti recipe for you.

Cooking Method: Baked Ziti Bliss

This baked ziti with ricotta recipe is based on one of those classic, tried-and-true recipes that's been passed down through generations.

There’s something utterly magical about easy oven bake meals , isn’t there? now i share my spin on a classic.

It's comforting, filling, and perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a potluck with friends!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Mania

Okay, first things first – get your essential mise en place sorted. this is not like delicious meatloaf , it’s all about organization.

Chop that one medium yellow onion (approx. 1 cup), mince those two cloves of garlic, and grate your cheeses. why ? because when that sauce is bubbling, you want to be ready to roll! time-saving organization tips are my jam! if you have kids make it even more vital! and remember, always keep those knives sharp and your workspace clean!

Step-by-Step Process: Ziti Magic

1. Sauté time: Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a pan, cook onion and garlic until soft.
2. Sauce it up: Add 28oz crushed tomatoes, 15oz tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a kick!), salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes , stirring now and then.
3. Pasta Power: Cook one pound ziti al dente . Drain and set aside. Don't overcook it ! No one wants mushy ziti.
4. Ricotta Dream: Mix 15oz ricotta, one egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional).
5. Layer Up: Toss pasta with half the sauce. Layer in a 9x13 inch dish: sauce, pasta, ricotta mix, more pasta, and one cup of mozzarella.
6. Bake Time: Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes . Add the other mozzarella and bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Rest Let your finished baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ziti

Wanna take your baked ziti with ricotta to the next level? try adding a touch of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture.

I tried it once and oh my gosh, the result was amazing! for meal train recipes , make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

One of the common mistakes to avoid is using low-quality ricotta. spring for the good stuff. trust me and look to make some easy dishes with ground beef to put in the sauce.

Alright, let’s dive into some crucial Recipe Notes for this amazing baked ziti with ricotta . I mean, who doesn't love a good pasta dinner recipes ? It is also one of the Meal Train Recipes that everyone will enjoy!

Serving It Up Right: Plating and More

Presentation, yeah? let's be real, nobody wants a pile of slop. when plating your baked ziti with ricotta , think rustic charm.

A generous scoop in a shallow bowl works wonders. garnish with a fresh basil leaf, and a sprinkle of extra parmesan? chef's kiss.

Honestly, you could get all fancy with some parsley too.

Think about what goes with it! garlic bread is a must. i’m talking proper, crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

A simple side salad cuts through the richness. a chilled glass of pinot grigio, anyone?

Storing That Leftover Goodness

Okay, so you actually have leftovers of this easy baked ziti ? color me impressed. but, what do we do now? refrigeration is your friend.

Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to an airtight container. it’ll happily live in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing? yeah, you can! cut it into individual portions. wrap each tightly in cling film then foil. they'll freeze well for up to 2 months.

Just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating is a breeze. oven's best, but microwave works in a pinch. add a splash of water before microwaving to stop it drying out.

Honestly, there is not much difference between the easy ziti recipes ground beef once is reheated.

Mixing It Up: Variations Galore

Fancy a change? Let's jazz it up! For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta. Honestly, you'll barely notice the difference. Need gluten-free? Use gluten-free ziti. Job done!

Seasonal swaps? in summer, add grilled zucchini. in autumn, roasted butternut squash works a treat. it adds some sweetness to the savoury ground beef baked recipes and tastes like a delicious meatloaf .

Nutrition Lowdown

Alright, numbers time! Each serving is roughly 450-550 calories. You're looking at 25-30g of protein, 20-25g of fat, and 50-60g of carbs. But, remember, this is all approximate!

It's got calcium from the cheese, lycopene from the tomatoes and some fiber from the ziti recipes , too. plus, it is one of those easy diner that brings people together.

Perfect dinner idea ground beef !

So, there you have it. that baked ziti casserole is one of the easy oven bake meals , even after tweaks, reheats, and swaps.

Now get cooking, and don't forget to enjoy every single bite. you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make baked ziti with ricotta ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assembling the baked ziti with ricotta ahead of time is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

What's the best way to store leftover baked ziti with ricotta?

Leftover baked ziti will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It reheats like a dream – almost as good as day one, innit!

My baked ziti is always watery! What am I doing wrong?

A watery baked ziti is usually caused by excess moisture. Be sure to drain your pasta really well after cooking. Also, if using frozen vegetables, thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the sauce. If your ricotta seems particularly wet, you can drain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for about 30 minutes before using. No one wants a soggy bottom on their bake!

Can I use a different type of cheese in this baked ziti with ricotta recipe?

Definitely! While ricotta is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try cottage cheese as a substitute for some of the ricotta. For the topping, provolone or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan work well. Just remember, cheese is a bit like opinions – everyone's got one, but some are better than others! Choose something that melts well and has a flavour you enjoy.

I'm looking for a healthier baked ziti with ricotta. Any tips?

You can easily lighten up baked ziti. Use part-skim ricotta, whole wheat pasta, and reduce the amount of mozzarella. Load up on vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to add fibre and nutrients. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein option. Swap out granulated sugar for honey as well. It’s all about making choices that are right for you!

Can I add meat to my baked ziti with ricotta?

Oh, absolutely, adding meat to your baked ziti is an excellent way to boost its heartiness. Ground beef, Italian sausage (sweet or spicy!), or even leftover cooked meatballs would be fantastic additions. Just brown the meat separately and add it to the tomato sauce while it simmers. Think of it as giving your baked ziti a proper upgrade – a bit like adding a spoiler to your Ford Fiesta!

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