Best Baked Ziti Recipe: Easy Cheesy Comfort Food Delight

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can outshine the Best Baked Ziti. Imagine a bubbling casserole of ziti pasta enveloped in rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. It’s a dish that can instantly transport you to a cozy Italian family gathering, evoking memories of shared laughter, warm embraces, and a table stacked high with delicious food.

Baked Ziti isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug! Perfect for family dinners, friendly potlucks, or lazy weekends when you crave a hearty meal that doesn’t demand hours of preparation. The blend of flavors plays a symphony for your taste buds that’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, truly making every bite a joyous experience.

Ingredients for Best Baked Ziti

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Best Baked Ziti:

300g / 10oz ziti or penne pasta – Choose your favorite pasta shape, but ziti or penne holds onto that sauce beautifully.

1 tbsp olive oil – A splash of this enhances flavor and prevents the pasta from sticking.

3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth that can elevate any pasta dish.

1 small onion (brown, white or yellow), finely chopped – Adds excellent sweetness and texture to the sauce base.

500g / 1 lb ground beef or pork OR 50/50 combo – Choose your meat for a savory base; it can also be substituted with ground turkey for a lighter option.

700g / 24 oz tomato passata – This serves as the hearty tomato foundation for the sauce.

1/2 cup water – Helps simmer the sauce to the perfect consistency.

1 tsp EACH dried basil, oregano, sugar – These seasoning staples round out the flavor with aromatic and herbaceous notes.

1 cup ricotta, optional – Creamy ricotta adds richness and a layer of flavor.

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese – The gooey cheese that binds it all together and creates a golden, bubbly topping.

1 cup parmesan, freshly grated, optional – Adds a nutty flavor and crispy topping when baked.

Finely chopped parsley or basil, optional garnish – For a touch of freshness that brightens up the dish.

2 tsp fennel seeds, optional – Adds an intriguing depth of flavor.

1 tbsp paprika – For a subtle smokiness; adjust based on heat preference.

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper OR 3/4 tsp chilli flakes – Spice it up to your liking!

2 tsp onion powder – For an extra punch of flavor without the texture of raw onion.

1 tsp EACH salt and black pepper – Essential for enhancing flavors.

How to Make Best Baked Ziti

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Best Baked Ziti:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and add in the ziti. Cook according to the package instructions but drain it about two minutes earlier to achieve an al dente texture. This will prevent squishy pasta later on.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) as the magic begins in the kitchen. It’s like warming up the stage for the grand performance ahead.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking them for about two minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic. Your kitchen will smell divine.

Step 4: Brown the Meat
Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s no longer pink, then sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, sugar, and any optional spices. Cook for another couple of minutes to let the flavors deepen.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the tomato passata, along with half a cup of water. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and allow it all to mingle for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper!

Step 6: Combine and Bake
Toss the drained pasta with approximately two cups of the sauce in the pot. Transfer this mix into a baking dish (23x33cm / 9×13″). Dollop on the ricotta if using, pour over the remaining sauce, and finally, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Cover loosely with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and allow it to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serve your masterpiece hot straight from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for an extra twinkle. Let the glorious, cheesy aroma waft through your home, filling the hearts of your loved ones with warmth and joy.

With this Best Baked Ziti recipe, you’re not just serving food; you’re dishing out love and comfort, one delightful bite at a time!

Perfecting Best Baked Ziti Cooking Process

To create the Best Baked Ziti, cook the pasta slightly al dente first. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then brown the meat before adding the sauce ingredients. This sequence ensures everything is flavorful and perfectly cooked.

Add Your Touch to Best Baked Ziti

Feel free to customize your Best Baked Ziti by swapping the ground meat for turkey or keeping it vegetarian with sautéed vegetables. Adding spices like red pepper flakes can give it an extra kick, while using different cheeses can elevate the flavor.

Storing & Reheating Best Baked Ziti

Store leftover Best Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) covered with foil until heated through, to maintain the cheesy goodness and avoid a dry texture.

Cooking the Best Baked Ziti is a cherished tradition in my family. I remember the first time I made it for my friends—they cleaned their plates and asked for the recipe immediately. Moments like that make all the effort worthwhile!

FAQs About Best Baked Ziti

What is Best Baked Ziti?

Best Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American dish that combines ziti pasta with a savory meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and a generous layer of melty mozzarella. It’s a robust meal that brings together a symphony of flavors and hearty textures, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Many home cooks love how easy it is to prepare, making it a top choice for those looking for a satisfying and delicious meal that feels homemade.

How can I customize my Best Baked Ziti?

You can easily customize your Best Baked Ziti to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Consider swapping the ground meat for turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or go fully vegetarian by adding a medley of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Experimenting with cheese types is another way to elevate the flavor—try adding gouda or mozzarella to make it even cheesier, or sprinkle in some spicy pepper jack for extra heat.

Can I make Best Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Best Baked Ziti ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. Simply assemble the dish without baking it and cover it with foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one day before baking. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but be aware that it may require additional baking time compared to a freshly prepared dish.

How do I store leftover Best Baked Ziti?

Storing leftover Best Baked Ziti is a breeze! Place any uneaten portions in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in the freezer. When reheating, do so in the oven at 350°F (180°C) to maintain the creamy texture and cheesy goodness of your baked ziti!

Conclusion for Best Baked Ziti

In conclusion, the Best Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience that captures the essence of comfort food. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in any household. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven, customized with your favorite ingredients, or as a joyful leftover, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite. So gather your loved ones and indulge in the delight of the Best Baked Ziti!

Best Baked Ziti

Discover the ultimate Best Baked Ziti recipe, a cheesy, comforting dish that delights every palate.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 557

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Pasta & Sauces

• 300 g ziti or penne pasta or penne pasta
• 700 g tomato passata
• 1/2 cup water

Meat & Dairy

• 500 g ground beef or pork or 50/50 combo
• 1 cup ricotta cheese optional
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated, optional

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp fennel seeds optional
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 3/4 tsp chilli flakes
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Garnish

• finely chopped parsley or basil optional garnish

Equipment

• large skillet
• Baking Dish
• pot

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Cook ziti for the recommended cooking time on the packet MINUS 2 minutes. Drain, then return to pot.
2. Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until onion is translucent.
4. Add meat and cook, breaking it up as you go. When it is just cooked, add seasonings and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add passata, water, basil, oregano, and sugar. Bring to simmer, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour about 2 cups of sauce into the pot with the ziti. Toss.
7. Spread ziti into baking dish (23x33cm / 9×13"). Dollop with ricotta. Pour over remaining sauce. Top with cheese and parmesan.
8. Cover loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake further 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
9. Sprinkle with parsley or basil if desired, then serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 557kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 39gFat: 21gSodium: 1016mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7g

Notes

Customize your ziti by swapping ground meat for turkey or keeping it vegetarian with sautéed vegetables. This dish works beautifully for meal prep or special occasions.

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