Introduction
Welcome to our delicious recipe for Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella! This classic Italian dish is a comforting and flavorful pasta bake that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will impress everyone at the table. So let’s get started and create a hearty and satisfying Baked Ziti!
Ingredients
For this Baked Ziti recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Steps
Follow these simple steps to make Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
7. Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
8. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
9. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta.
10. Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, then pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella, until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella on top.
11. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella layer.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Variations
There are many ways to customize this Baked Ziti recipe to suit your taste:
– Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
– Meaty: Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage or a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for a heartier dish.
– Cheesy: Add additional types of cheese like provolone or fontina for a more indulgent and cheesy flavor.
– Spicy: If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Baked Ziti:
– Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
– Use a good quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
– Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meat sauce to enhance the flavors.
– Let the Baked Ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. With its layers of flavorful meat sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious homemade Baked Ziti that will have everyone asking for seconds!
FAQs
Q: Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Baked Ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly since it will be cold from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze Baked Ziti?
A: Absolutely! Baked Ziti freezes well. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
Q: What can I serve with Baked Ziti?
A: Baked Ziti is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a more substantial feast.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any short pasta shape you like such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes, if you prefer the texture and taste of cottage cheese, you can use it as a substitute for ricotta in this recipe.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella 🍝🧀✨.
A comforting and flavorful pasta bake with layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
-
1 pound ziti pasta
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 pound ground beef
-
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
-
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
-
1 teaspoon dried basil
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 cup ricotta cheese
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
-
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
-
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
-
Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
-
Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
-
Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta.
-
Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, then pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella, until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella on top.
-
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella layer.
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
