Description
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
500g ziti or penne pasta
500g ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Once browned, drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Assemble the Ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Add ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix until well combined.
5. Bake the Ziti: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.
This baked ziti is cheesy, hearty, and a family favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
#BakedZiti #ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect baked ziti every time. After boiling your pasta al dente, ensure you rinse it briefly with cool water to stop the cooking and prevent it from becoming mushy. For the meat sauce, take the time to fully brown the ground beef to develop deep flavor, draining the fat well. When combining the pasta and sauce, do so gently to avoid breaking the noodles. The key assembly step is to layer: spread half the pasta mixture in the dish, dollop the ricotta evenly over it, then add the remaining pasta before topping with cheese. This creates pockets of creamy ricotta throughout.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic breadsticks, or steamed green beans. For a complete Italian feast, start with a simple antipasto platter. Leftovers reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day. To elevate presentation, serve directly from the baking dish at the table, garnished with extra fresh parsley or basil.
How-to Summary
In short: Cook pasta al dente. Brown beef with onion, garlic, and herbs, then simmer with marinara. Mix pasta with sauce, ricotta, and half the cheeses. Layer in a dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake covered for 20 minutes at 375°F. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make baked ziti ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Penne is the closest substitute, but any short, sturdy pasta with ridges or tubes (like rigatoni or shells) that can hold the sauce will work well.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply omit the ground beef. You can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for extra substance, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Can I freeze baked ziti? Yes, it freezes excellently. Assemble and bake as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, covered, in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: It will continue to cook in the oven. Boil only until al dente to avoid a mushy final texture.
- Not draining the beef fat: Skipping this step will result in a greasy, heavy sauce.
- Using all the cheese in the mix: Reserve a generous amount for the top to create that essential golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Forgetting to grease the baking dish: This prevents sticking and makes serving and cleanup much easier.
- Cutting into it immediately: Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Conclusion
This baked ziti with meat sauce is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a reliably delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dish. Its versatility with ingredients and make-ahead convenience makes it a cornerstone recipe for any home cook. Gather your family around the table and enjoy this timeless Italian-American classic.