Baked to perfection: The Ultimate Recipe for Mouthwatering Ziti Delight!
Looking for a delicious and comforting Italian dish? Try our recipe for baked ziti – a cheesy and flavorful pasta bake that will satisfy your cravings!
If you're a fan of pasta, ziti is definitely one to add to your list. And what's better than a hearty, mouth-watering baked ziti straight out of the oven? In this article, we've got the ultimate recipe that will make all your pasta dreams come true!
What's great about this recipe is that it's easy to make, even for those who are new to cooking. Just a few simple steps and delicious ingredients will result in a dish that's ready to serve in no time. And once you taste it, you won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
With gooey melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, our baked ziti recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's perfect for a cozy night in or for a big gathering with friends and loved ones.
So, if you're ready to indulge in a bowl of cheesy goodness, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and read on for the ultimate recipe for mouthwatering ziti delight!
Baked to Perfection: The Ultimate Recipe for Mouthwatering Ziti Delight!
Who doesn’t love a comforting pasta dish? This baked ziti recipe is one of my favorites and is sure to satisfy any carb craving. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. With only a few steps and ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, water, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat.
- Add the cooked ziti, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the chopped basil to the skillet, mixing everything together well.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until everything is hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with the remaining chopped fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition:
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, and each serving contains the following nutritional information:
- Calories: 487
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
- Sodium: 1284mg
- Potassium: 677mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 29g
Enjoy this mouthwatering ziti delight with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe For Baked Ziti
Welcome to the world of delicious and comforting dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. One such dish is baked ziti, a classic Italian-American casserole that combines al dente pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering baked ziti dish that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
Gather all the necessary ingredients for this divine baked ziti recipe:
- 1 pound of ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Steps for Preparation
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering baked ziti dish:
Boiling the Ziti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. This means that the pasta should be cooked, but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
While the ziti is boiling, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant. Next, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan and cook it until it is browned and cooked through.
Once the meat is cooked, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Layering the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Next, add a layer of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce. Repeat this process, alternating layers of sauce and pasta until you have used up all the ingredients. This layering technique ensures that every bite is filled with deliciousness.
Adding the Cheese
No baked ziti is complete without a generous amount of cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of pasta. Then, cover the entire dish with the shredded mozzarella cheese. The combination of these two cheeses will create a gooey, cheesy topping that will make your taste buds sing.
Baking the Ziti
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will make it hard to resist diving in right away, but patience is key for achieving the perfect baked ziti.
Serving Suggestions
Once the baked ziti is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to cut into neat portions. Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread, which you can make by toasting slices of bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing is also a great accompaniment to balance out the richness of the dish.
Enjoyment
Finally, it's time to indulge in the cheesy, saucy goodness of your homemade baked ziti. Take a bite and let the flavors transport you to food heaven. The combination of the perfectly cooked pasta, the rich tomato sauce, and the melty cheese will create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. So grab a fork, dig in, and savor each and every bite of this comforting Italian-American classic.
Recipe for Baked Ziti
Introduction
Welcome to the irresistible world of Baked Ziti! This classic Italian-American dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the goodness of ziti pasta, flavorful tomato sauce, and layers of gooey cheese. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
- Next, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked ziti pasta with the sauce mixture, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.
- Spread half of the ziti mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add the remaining ziti mixture over the cheese layer and top it off with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of creating a heavenly Baked Ziti. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Enjoy a plateful of this cheesy goodness with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Your friends and family will be coming back for seconds!
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the ultimate recipe for mouthwatering ziti delight! We hope that you found the information and tips useful in creating your own delicious baked ziti. We understand that cooking can seem daunting at times, but with the right tools and instructions, anyone can create a fantastic meal.
Remember to take your time when preparing the ziti dish - don't rush the process! Let the flavors meld together overnight or for at least a few hours before baking. And don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to make the dish uniquely your own.
We hope that this recipe has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and try making new dishes. Stay tuned for more recipes like this, and feel free to share your own with us. Happy cooking!
People also ask about Baked to Perfection: The Ultimate Recipe for Mouthwatering Ziti Delight!
- What is ziti?
- What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
- How long does it take to bake ziti?
- Can I substitute the meat in this recipe?
- What type of cheese should I use?
- Ziti is a type of pasta that is similar to penne, but with a longer and wider tube shape.
- The recipe calls for ziti pasta, ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- The ziti will need to bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes at 375°F.
- Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- You should use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for this recipe for the best flavor and texture.