Cozy Night in Effortless Baked Ziti Bliss
- Cozy Night In: Effortless Baked Ziti Bliss
- Ingredients & Equipment for Ultimate Comfort
- Cozy Night In: The Best Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Prep Like a Pro for Easy Baked Ziti!
- Bubbly Bliss: The Baked Ziti Process
- Baked Ziti : Pro Tips for the Win!
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Cozy Night In: Effortless Baked Ziti Bliss
Fancy a dish that’s like a warm hug? I got you! This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for cozy nights is exactly what you need.
It's cheesy, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Get ready for some serious Italian comfort food!
What's the Deal with Baked Ziti Anyway?
Baked Ziti, originating from Southern Italy, is a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. It's basically a pasta bake. This Baked Ziti version is super easy to make and takes under an hour.
This recipe will feed about 6-8 people. It is the perfect Pasta bake recipes to try!
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Pasta Bake
Honestly, what’s not to love? This Baked Ziti Recipe is loaded with flavor and easy to make. Packed with protein, this Comfort food recipes featuring Ground Beef is a hearty meal.
Plus, it's the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for Weeknight Dinner or any time you need a Quick dinner ideas !
Let's Talk Ingredients for our Easy Baked Ziti
Alright, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. You’ll need pasta, meat, tomatoes and lots of cheese!
Alright, let's get stuck into the magic behind this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights! You know those evenings when all you crave is a big hug in food form? Yeah, this recipe's exactly that! Let's break down the essentials to make this Baked Ziti sing.
Ingredients & Equipment for Ultimate Comfort
This Baked Ziti Recipe isn’t about fancy techniques. It's about simple ingredients and big flavors. Trust me, even if you're not Nigella Lawson, you'll nail this!
Main Ingredients
Okay, let's talk specifics. No vague "a bit of this, a pinch of that" nonsense here.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Nothing fancy, just your regular cooking oil.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped. About 1 cup (150g) . Yellow or white will work.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Around 2 teaspoons (6g) . Go easy on the garlic breath!
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). Look for about 80/20 for flavour but drain the fat off after browning.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Don't skip this; it's classic Italian flavour.
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Again, super important for that Italian vibe.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional). If you like a kick.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can. Go for good quality here. It makes a difference.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can. The base for the sauce.
- Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce/170g) can. Adds richness and depth.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5 g) . Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Cook till al dente .
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) . Whole milk or part skim.
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten. Helps bind the ricotta.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25 g) , grated. For flavour.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. The star of the show.
Seasoning Notes to Level Up Your Pasta Bake Recipes
Seasoning is where the magic happens. Honestly, even the best ingredients can fall flat without the right spice.
- Essential Combination: Oregano and Basil. The classic Italian power couple.
- Flavor Enhancers: Garlic (obviously!) and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Quick Sub: No oregano? Try Italian seasoning. Just watch the salt content.
Equipment Needed for This Italian Comfort Food
You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up this Cheesy Pasta Bake . These are the bare necessities:
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For the sauce.
- 9x13 inch (23x33cm) Baking Dish: Where the magic happens.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
Cozy Night In: The Best Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights
Honestly, who doesn't love a good pasta bake? Especially when it's an Easy Baked Ziti , oozing with cheese and rich tomato sauce.
It's the ultimate comfort food recipe . This isn't some fancy pants recipe, this is proper Italian comfort food , the kind Nonna used to make.
We're talking about an Easy Baked Ziti that will get a cheer from your whole family. A 2023 survey found that 73% of people crave comfort food when feeling stressed.
Prep Like a Pro for Easy Baked Ziti!
Essential Mise en Place
Get everything ready before you start. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and measure out your spices. You know? It's like prepping your art supplies before you paint.
Having it all at hand saves time, stress, and a whole lot of mess.
Time Saving Organization Tips
While the pasta is cooking, get the sauce simmering. Honestly, multi tasking is your best friend here. Also, if you have leftover tomato sauce from another pasta bake recipe , use that! No point in letting it go to waste.
Safety First!
Careful when draining that pasta! Steam burns are no joke. Use oven gloves to handle the baking dish when it comes out of the oven at 375° F ( 190° C) .
Bubbly Bliss: The Baked Ziti Process
This Baked Ziti Recipe is so good you will have everyone ask for more and more! It is a wonderful Weeknight Dinner .
- Cook 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta until al dente. Don't overcook it; nobody likes mushy pasta.
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil until softened.
- Brown 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or sausage) in the skillet. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce, 1 (6 ounce/170g) can tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon (5 g) sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Mix 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese, 1 lightly beaten egg, and 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Combine the cooked ziti and meat sauce.
- Layer half the ziti mixture, then the ricotta mixture, then half of 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Top with the remaining ziti and mozzarella. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes until golden brown.
Baked Ziti : Pro Tips for the Win!
Ace Techniques
Don't skip the ricotta layer! It makes it extra creamy. Grate your own mozzarella; it melts better than the pre-shredded stuff.
Common Catastrophes
Avoid overcooking the pasta or burning the cheese! If the top starts to brown too much, cover it with foil.
make-ahead Magic
Assemble the Baked Ziti a day ahead and bake it when needed. Talk about a Quick dinner idea ! This cheesy pasta bake will surely be a win!
Right, that's all folks! Go make this amazing Easy Baked Ziti happen and enjoy!
Alright, let's talk about some extra bits for this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for nights when you just need something proper comforting.
It's more than just a recipe, it's a hug in a dish! We're diving into how to make the most of this Baked Ziti , from serving suggestions to storing tips.
Think of these as little hacks to make your life even easier, because who doesn't want that? Honestly, Easy Baked Ziti has saved me so many times after a long day.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate it Up!
Presentation is key, innit? For plating, think about a generous scoop of this cheesy pasta bake on a nice plate.
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley is a must! It will elevate any dish to the next level. Serve it with some crusty garlic bread to mop up all that delicious sauce, because nobody wants to waste a drop.
And if you're feeling fancy, a crisp side salad cuts through the richness. Maybe some refreshing drink like sparkling grape juice! Talking about refreshing sides, they really make a difference for this Italian comfort food classic.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Baked Ziti Recipe keeps beautifully. Just pop it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
And I've found this works like a charm - When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to keep it moist.
Don't microwave it to death! If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in foil and then plastic wrap, or put it in a freezer safe container.
It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a low oven (around 300° F/ 150° C) until heated through.
Remember, always check it's piping hot before serving .
Variations: Mix it Up!
One of the best things about a Baked Ziti is how versatile it is. Go veggie by swapping the Ground Beef for sautéed mushrooms and courgettes.
Honestly, it's just as good! If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free ziti pasta. No one will ever guess! Also, you can totally mix and match your cheeses to find the ideal Cheesy pasta bake that suits your taste.
If you want some Quick dinner ideas try adding hot sauce for a kick.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Okay, so this Pasta bake recipes might not be a salad, but it's still got some good stuff going on.
It’s packed with protein from the meat and cheese, and carbohydrates for energy. A serving will set you back around 550 to 650 calories, 30 to 40 grams of protein, 25 to 35 grams of fat, and 50 to 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Just remember that these are estimates and can change based on what you put in it. So, enjoy it as a treat and part of a balanced diet.
Comfort food recipes are here for the soul.
So there you have it! A Weeknight Dinner that’s super easy to make and customize. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Now go on, get baking and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! Assembling the ziti ahead of time is a brilliant idea. You can prepare it up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. Then, just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake.
This is a game changer for weeknights when you're juggling work, family, and trying not to turn into a hangry monster!
What if I don't have ziti pasta? Can I substitute it with something else in this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for?
No worries, mate! If you're fresh out of ziti, penne or rigatoni work perfectly well as substitutes. They have a similar shape and texture, so they'll hold the sauce beautifully. Just avoid very small pasta shapes like macaroni, as they might get a bit lost in the mix and not give you that satisfying baked pasta experience.
My baked ziti sometimes comes out watery. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded watery ziti! This usually happens when the ricotta cheese is too wet or the pasta isn't drained properly. Make sure to drain the pasta really well after cooking. You can also try using part skim ricotta and draining off any excess liquid before mixing it with the egg and Parmesan.
A thicker sauce also helps to avoid a watery end result.
Can I freeze leftover baked ziti? I always make too much!
Good news, yes, you absolutely can! Baked ziti freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store them in freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave. It's like having a delicious ready meal waiting for you!
What are some vegetarian variations for this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights?
Going meat free is easy! Simply omit the ground beef (or sausage) and load up on veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant all work wonderfully in the sauce. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
It's a brilliant way to sneak in some extra nutrients and create a totally different flavour profile.
How can I make my Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights extra cheesy?
Ah, a question after my own heart! For maximum cheese pull action, try using a blend of cheeses. Add some provolone or fontina to the mozzarella for a richer, more complex flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking, and even add a layer of cheese sauce (like a Mornay sauce) for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
Just remember, moderation is key... or is it?
Cozy Night In Effortless Baked Ziti Bliss
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 50-60g |
