Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti
Introduction
Everyone deserves to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal after a long day, and our Baked Ziti recipe is the perfect dish to whip up. Quick and satisfying, this recipe is ideal for both big gatherings and for those who love to meal prep for the week ahead.
Why Make This Recipe
Our Baked Ziti recipe is not only gratifying and delightful to the palate but is also simple to put together. Its savory notes from the marinara sauce and the various cheeses, paired with the meat’s rich flavors, create a perfect harmony that you and your family will surely love.
How to Make Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti
Ingredients :
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions :
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
5. In a large baking dish, combine cooked ziti, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and meat sauce. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before topping with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti
Serve the baked ziti hot, straight from the oven. It’s best garnished with fresh basil and accompanied by a fresh garden salad or warm garlic bread.
How to Store Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti
To store, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 4-5 days.
Tips to Make Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti
For a spicier kick, you can incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into your meat sauce. If you don’t have ziti on hand, other pasta such as rigatoni or penne can be used as alternatives.
Variation
If you’re aiming for a vegetarian dish, you can substitute the beef or Italian sausage with a meat substitute or add a variety of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
FAQs
Q. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A. Absolutely, feel free to use other pasta like penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available.
Q. Can I freeze the baked ziti?
A. Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Make sure it cools completely before covering it with a double layer of foil and freezing. It can be stored for up to three months.
Q. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
A. Yes, to convert this into a vegetarian dish, omit the meat or replace it with a meat substitute or vegetables of your choice.