Description
Baked Ziti with Mozzarella Pulls
This classic Italian-American baked ziti is smothered in marinara sauce, loaded with mozzarella, and baked until golden brown and bubbling. Perfect for a hearty family dinner!
Ingredients:
1 lb ziti pasta
4 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or sausage (if using) and cook until browned.
Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Layer the Ziti:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with half the marinara sauce. Spread half of the pasta in a greased baking dish.
Dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta and sprinkle half the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top.
Build the Layers:
Add the remaining pasta, marinara sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden crust.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy the cheesy pull!
Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, mix in a splash of red wine with the marinara sauce while simmering. Pair with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Dive into this cheesy delight—it’s comfort food at its best!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof baked ziti. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook 1 lb of ziti in well-salted boiling water until just al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain but do not rinse; the starch helps the sauce adhere. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1/2 cup chopped onions until translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. If using meat, add 1/2 lb ground beef or sausage, breaking it up until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Pour in 4 cups of marinara sauce, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors. In your large bowl, combine the drained pasta with half of the sauce mixture, ensuring every piece is coated. Now, assemble in your prepared dish: spread half of the sauced pasta evenly. Dot the surface with 1 cup of ricotta using a spoon. Sprinkle over half of the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta, then the remaining sauce. Finish with the last of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps it set for cleaner slices. Serve generous portions alongside a crisp Caesar or arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette to cut the richness. Warm, buttery garlic bread or focaccia is essential for scooping up every last bit. For a complete Italian feast, start with a simple antipasto platter. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta al dente. Make a seasoned meat (optional) and marinara sauce. Mix half the sauce with the pasta. Layer in a dish: pasta, ricotta dollops, and cheeses. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly, then broil briefly for browning. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
What’s the best substitute for ricotta? Whole-milk cottage cheese (small curd) or a good-quality béchamel sauce are excellent alternatives that provide similar creaminess.
How do I prevent a dry baked ziti? Ensure your sauce is sufficiently saucy before mixing. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it bakes. You can also reserve a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Can I freeze baked ziti? Yes, it freezes very well. Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly. Reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze it unbaked.
Why is my cheese not melting properly? Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. For the best, gooey pull, always shred your own mozzarella from a block.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: It will turn mushy during baking. Cook only to al dente.
- Skipping the rest time: Cutting in too soon causes a runny, messy presentation.
- Using cold sauce and cheese: Bringing ingredients closer to room temperature promotes even baking.
- Not seasoning the pasta water: It should taste like the sea; this is your first chance to build flavor.
- Forgetting to grease the baking dish: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Conclusion
This baked ziti recipe is the epitome of comforting, crowd-pleasing cuisine. With its layers of pasta, rich sauce, and molten cheeses, it’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners and gatherings. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the tips to avoid common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly baked, gloriously cheesy casserole every time. Don’t forget the final broil for that irresistible golden crust. Buon appetito!