Baked Ziti
User Reviews
4.7
120 reviews
Excellent
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
482 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Baked Ziti
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This Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food! It's easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Tender pieces of ziti noodles, delicious meat sauce, three different kinds of cheese, you can't go wrong!
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Ingredients
- 10 ounces Ziti pasta or rigatoni or penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef extra lean
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar packed
- 24 ounces passata or tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 leaves basil fresh, chopped, optional garnish
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Instructions
- Cook the ziti or pasta of your choice according to package instructions until it's al dente. The pasta is al dente when it's cooked but still firm when bitten. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and cook for about 3 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the meat and cook, breaking it as you go along. Cook it until it's no longer pink, it should take about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and brown sugar. Add the passata and beef broth then stir everything together.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. While the sauce is simmering, preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and toss it well. If using a skillet you might have to toss everything in a bowl.
- Spread half of the ziti over the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Top evenly with half the mozzarella cheese, followed by half the Parmesan cheese. Spread the rest of the ziti, then dollop with ricotta over the entire surface of the pasta. Finish with the rest of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese starts to get golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Equipments used:
Notes
- Fresh Cheese Matters: I prefer grating Parmesan and shredding mozzarella myself. Freshly grated cheeses melt better and have a superior flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded varieties.
- Try Different Proteins: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. Each option brings a different flavor profile that can make the dish uniquely yours.
- Boost with Vegetables: Sometimes I add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds a serving of veggies to the meal.
- Mind the Sauce Consistency: I usually make sure the sauce is slightly saucier than I think it needs to be. The pasta absorbs liquid as it bakes, so a saucier mix prevents the dish from drying out.
- Rest Before Serving: After baking, make sure to the ziti rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Make Ahead and Store: This dish is great for meal prep. I often assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate until I'm ready to bake. If baking from cold, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the ziti but don't bake it. Wrapped tightly, it freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1serving
Calories
482kcal
(24%)
Carbohydrates
39g
(13%)
Protein
32g
(64%)
Fat
22g
(34%)
Saturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
8g
Trans Fat
0.4g
Cholesterol
83mg
(28%)
Sodium
669mg
(28%)
Potassium
807mg
(23%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
921IU
(18%)
Vitamin C
11mg
(12%)
Calcium
402mg
(40%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 482 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 482kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 83mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 669mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 807mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 921IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 402mg | 40% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
120 reviews
Excellent
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