Ultimate Baked Ziti Extravaganza

$- 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 2 teaspoons dried basil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly cracked pepper - 15 oz ricotta cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) When choosing pasta, pick ziti for its perfect shape. It holds sauce well. Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste. Ground beef adds more flavor, but turkey is lighter. When picking tomatoes, go for crushed for a smooth sauce. For cheese, use whole milk ricotta for creaminess. Fresh mozzarella melts better than low-fat. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you need a lighter dish, swap ground beef for ground turkey. You can also replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a different texture. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils instead of meat. Gluten-free pasta works well if needed. Feel free to adjust spice levels by using less red pepper flakes or adding fresh herbs for more flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat is perfect for baking. While your oven warms, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of ziti pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. After that, drain the pasta and set it aside. Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and smell great. Now, add 1 lb of ground beef or ground turkey. Cook it until it's nicely browned. Don't forget to drain any extra fat. Next, add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 can of tomato sauce, and your spices: 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir well, then season with salt and cracked pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. In a bowl, mix 15 oz of ricotta cheese with 1 large egg until smooth. Now, fold the drained ziti into your meat sauce. Make sure all the pasta gets coated. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the ziti mixture on the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta mix over this. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this with the remaining ziti and ricotta. Finish with another cup of mozzarella and sprinkle 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. If you like, add fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy! Cooking ziti pasta right can make a big difference. Always use a large pot with plenty of water. Add a good amount of salt to the water, which helps flavor the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, or just firm to the bite. This step is key since the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta well and avoid rinsing it. Rinsing washes away the starch, which helps the sauce stick. Layering cheese is crucial for a great baked ziti. Start with a base of ziti and sauce, then spread a mix of ricotta and egg. This mix adds creaminess. Use half of your mozzarella and sprinkle it over the ricotta layer for that ooey-gooey texture we all love. Finish with the remaining ziti and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. This gives a nice crispy top that contrasts with the soft pasta underneath. Avoid overcooking the pasta. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy. Also, don’t skip seasoning your meat sauce. Adding salt and pepper is vital for flavor. Another mistake is crowding the baking dish. Make sure to layer and spread all ingredients evenly. This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese melt perfectly. Lastly, remember to let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice. Pro Tips Choose Your Protein: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even a plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian option. Layering is Key: Ensure even distribution of the ricotta and mozzarella by layering them thoroughly, which will enhance the overall flavor and texture. Let it Rest: Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving; this helps the dish set and makes it easier to cut and serve. Add Extra Flavor: For a flavor boost, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian baked ziti by swapping the meat. Use a mix of fresh veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Sauté them in olive oil until they soften. This adds great flavor and texture. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Just cook them with the sauce. This way, you keep the heartiness of the dish without meat. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ziti. Many brands offer great taste and texture. You can also try chickpea or lentil pasta. They provide added protein and fiber. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions. This way, you maintain the right texture for your baked ziti. Get creative with your baked ziti! Add spices like Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also mix in some sautéed onions or mushrooms. For a smoky twist, try adding cooked bacon or pancetta. If you like heat, toss in jalapeños or more red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can brighten the dish. Don't forget, the goal is to make it your own! After enjoying your baked ziti, let it cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep the flavors fresh. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot all the way through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. If you want to save some for later, freezing is easy! Let the baked ziti cool completely. Then, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! Yes, you can make baked ziti ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors blend. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If frozen, it can last for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking for best results. You know baked ziti is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The edges should be slightly crispy. Use a knife to check the center. It should feel hot when you insert it. If you see steam rising, it is ready to serve. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing. Baked ziti pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette - Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping - Roasted vegetables for added color and flavor - A simple fruit salad for a sweet finish These sides add balance and make your meal more enjoyable. This article covered everything you need for baked ziti, from ingredients to storage tips. We went through key ingredient choices, tasty variations, and cooking steps. Remember, good prep makes for a great dish. Avoid common mistakes for the best results. With these tips, you can create meals your family will love. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and have fun experimenting! Baked ziti is simple, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Dive in and make it your own!$

Ultimate Baked Ziti Extravaganza

A delicious and cheesy baked ziti dish that is perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter alternative)
28 oz crushed tomatoes
15 oz tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Next, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being too greasy.
To the skillet, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors blend beautifully.
While the sauce is simmering, take a separate bowl and combine the ricotta cheese and the egg. Mix well until fully combined and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, fold the drained ziti into the meat sauce, ensuring that all the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by layering half of the ziti mixture on the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, and then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for that cheesy goodness.
Layer the remaining ziti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the ricotta mix, and finish off with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously on top for a crispy finish.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (you may lightly spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a delightful golden brown.
Once baked, let the ultimate ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor, if desired.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword baked ziti, cheesy, comfort food, pasta