Baked Ziti Recipe
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5.0
33 reviews
Excellent
Baked Ziti Recipe
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This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a crowd-pleaser pasta recipe made with layering ziti with ricotta and homemade tomato-meat sauce. This dish not only feeds a crowd, but also freezes beautifully.
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Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 can can crushed tomatoes 28-ounce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
For the pasta:
- 1 pound Ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
To Assemble The Baked Ziti:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese homemade or store bought
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
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Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 375 F Degrees.
- To make the meat sauce: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often. You would have to break the large pieces of meat as it is cooking.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until they are translucent, 7-8 minutes. Add tomatoes, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring it to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, 10-12 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- Cook the pasta: In the mean time, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and ziti. Cook until it is al dente, 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- To assemble: Spread a thin layer (approximately 3-4 tablespoons) of the meat sauce at the bottom of a large (oven-proof) casserole dish (I used a 9X11 Pyrex). Place half of the ziti onto the sauce and spread it all over the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the meat and tomato sauce over it. Place 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese in dollops evenly on the meat sauce. Spread the rest of the ziti evenly as a second layer. Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the ziti and spread evenly using a spatula. Spread the rest of the ricotta cheese in dollops on top. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake it in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese on top turns golden brown.
- Sprinkle it with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Yields: This baked ziti recipe serves 6 people. The nutritional values below are per serving.
- Storing leftovers: Bring them to room temperature, place them in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: We recommend freezing it before baking the dish. To do so, bring the baked ziti to room temperature and tightly cover the casserole dish with stretch film and aluminum foil tightly to prevent freezer burn. Keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, a day before you are ready to serve. Bake it as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that it might take just a few minutes longer, but you are good to go, once the cheese is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
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Calories
657kcal
(33%)
Carbohydrates
66g
(22%)
Protein
33g
(66%)
Fat
28g
(43%)
Saturated Fat
12g
(60%)
Cholesterol
89mg
(30%)
Sodium
1768mg
(74%)
Potassium
795mg
(23%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
1738IU
(35%)
Vitamin C
24mg
(27%)
Calcium
234mg
(23%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 657 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 657kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 66g | 22% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 89mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 1768mg | 74% |
| Potassium | 795mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1738IU | 35% |
| Vitamin C | 24mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 234mg | 23% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
33 reviews
Excellent
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