Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme

Introduction

Welcome to our delicious recipe for Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme! This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to please both family and friends. With layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a generous amount of melted cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jar of marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Follow these steps to make Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme:

1. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a final layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Variations

There are several ways to customize this Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme recipe to suit your taste:

• Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage.
• Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to the meat sauce.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique flavor profile.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme turns out perfectly:

• Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• For a creamier texture, mix some of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the ricotta cheese before layering.
• Covering the baking dish with foil helps to trap steam and prevent the cheese from drying out.
• Allowing the baked ziti to cool slightly before serving makes it easier to cut and prevents burning your mouth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the classic flavors of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Try out different variations and experiment with your favorite ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy this delicious dish with your loved ones!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the dish will be cold from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What can I serve with Cheesy Baked Ziti Supreme?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a complete and balanced meal.