Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with our irresistible baked ziti recipes. Embark on a culinary journey where zesty tomato sauce, succulent ground beef, and creamy ricotta harmoniously entwine, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Discover the classic baked ziti recipe, a timeless dish that embodies comfort and satisfaction. Explore variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences, including a vegetarian version brimming with roasted vegetables and a gluten-free option that ensures everyone can partake in this delectable feast. Let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable adventure as you explore our curated collection of baked ziti recipes, each one promising a unique and extraordinary culinary experience.
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EASY ZITI BAKE
I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. -Elaine Anderson New Galilee, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h5m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce. , In a large bowl, combine eggs, ricotta cheese, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture and stir until blended., Spoon a third of the meat sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with half of the pasta mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining meat sauce., Cover and bake 40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 630 calories, Fat 30g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 164mg cholesterol, Sodium 878mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 45g protein.
BAKED ZITI
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for several minutes, or until starting to soften. Add Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture.
- Add tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. After that time, remove 3 to 4 cups of the sauce to a different bowl to cool down.
- Preheat oven to 375˚. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and salt and pepper. Stir together just a couple of times (do not mix completely).
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Pour it into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to slightly combine (there should still be large lumps.) Add the cooled meat sauce and toss to combine.
- Add half the coated pasta to a large casserole dish or lasagna dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta, the sauce, and the mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbling. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving. (Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta before serving!)
BAKED ZITI
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 1h35m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and saute until starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and sausage and cook until browned. Drain off almost all of the fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and some salt and pepper. Stir, bring to a simmer and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove 3 to 4 cups of the cooked sauce to a bowl to cool down.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt. Cook the ziti until not quite al dente.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a bowl, mix 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, eggs and some salt and pepper. Stir together just a couple of times (do not mix completely).
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Pour it into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to slightly combine (there should still be large lumps). Add the cooled reserved meat sauce and toss to combine.
- Add half the coated pasta to a large casserole dish or lasagna dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half the remaining mozzarella. Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta and the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before sprinkling with chopped parsley to serve.
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta. Ziti is a classic choice for baked ziti, but you could also use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
- Use good quality ground beef. The flavor of the ground beef will shine through in the finished dish, so be sure to use a good quality beef that is at least 80% lean.
- Don't skimp on the ricotta cheese. Ricotta cheese is what makes baked ziti so creamy and delicious. Be sure to use a whole container of ricotta cheese (15 ounces).
- Use a flavorful tomato sauce. The tomato sauce is another important element of baked ziti. Be sure to use a sauce that is flavorful and has a good balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Bake the ziti until it is bubbly and golden brown. The ziti should be cooked through and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. The top of the ziti should be golden brown.
Conclusion:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious baked ziti that everyone will love.
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