Table of Contents
- Why This Classic Baked Ziti Recipe Stands Out
- The Secret to a Rich and Flavorful Sauce
- Choosing the Best Cheese for the Ultimate Melt
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Tips for Cooking Ziti
- How to Make This Dish Ahead of Time
- Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich, homemade sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and layers of gooey cheese. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. With a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to suit your taste, making it a family favorite for years to come.
Why This Classic Baked Ziti Recipe Stands Out
At Clara Cooks, we believe that every recipe should be both delicious and easy to make. This Classic Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of flavors, a satisfying texture, and a golden, cheesy crust. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple family meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
The Secret to a Rich and Flavorful Sauce
A great baked ziti starts with a well-seasoned sauce. The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a deep, savory flavor that perfectly coats the pasta. The key to enhancing the sauce is allowing it to simmer and develop richness before mixing it with the ziti.
Choosing the Best Cheese for the Ultimate Melt
Cheese is the heart of a great baked ziti. A mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta creates the perfect balance of creaminess and stretch. Using fresh, high-quality cheese ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect Pasta Texture: Tips for Cooking Ziti
One of the most common mistakes when making baked ziti is overcooking the pasta. To get the perfect texture, cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking. This ensures that your final dish is firm and holds up well under the rich sauce and cheese layers.
How to Make This Dish Ahead of Time
This dish is an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Simply assemble the ziti, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pairing your baked ziti with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to the next level. A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complements the richness of the ziti and adds balance to your plate. For a refreshing drink, consider a glass of lemonade or a bold red wine.
Classic Baked Ziti – Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Combine cooked pasta with meat sauce.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish, spread ricotta mixture, then top with remaining pasta.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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