Best 5 Best Baked Ziti Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey with our comprehensive guide to baked ziti, a delectable pasta dish that combines the richness of Italian flavors with the convenience of a casserole. Indulge in our versatile collection of recipes, ranging from classic to contemporary, each offering a unique twist on this timeless dish.

Discover the traditional baked ziti, a symphony of tender ziti pasta, a luscious combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and a hearty tomato sauce that weaves a tapestry of flavors. For a lighter variation, explore our baked ziti with zucchini, a delightful medley of vegetables, lean ground turkey, and a zesty marinara sauce.

If you're seeking a vegetarian delight, our baked ziti with spinach and mushrooms is a symphony of earthy flavors, featuring sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Alternatively, our baked ziti with chicken and Alfredo sauce is a creamy indulgence, where succulent chicken mingles with a velvety Alfredo sauce and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

For a touch of spice and smokiness, our baked ziti with sausage and peppers is a fiery delight, featuring spicy sausage, bell peppers, and a tangy tomato sauce. And for those who crave a seafood twist, our baked ziti with shrimp and pesto is a culinary masterpiece, combining succulent shrimp, a vibrant pesto sauce, and a medley of cheeses.

No matter your taste preferences, our collection of baked ziti recipes promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this versatile dish, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

THE BEST BAKED ZITI



The Best Baked Ziti image

I am half Italian, was raised eating the finest Italian-American cuisine, and have filmed almost 2000 recipe videos, so when you consider all of those facts, it seems incredible that I have never posted a video for baked ziti. Hopefully I make up for that long wait by posting what I think is the best version of it.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

¾ pound hot Italian sausage
¾ pound sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 (24 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce
2 cups water
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 drizzle olive oil
1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 teaspoon chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Cut down the length of each sausage with a sharp knife. Remove and discard casings.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan set over high heat. Add sausages and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up with a spatula, until the sausage begins to brown, and the onion turns translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in marinara sauce. Pour 1 cup water into each jar to rinse out remaining sauce; add to the saucepan. Stir together and bring sauce to a simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Turn off heat and reserve until needed. Before using, skim any excess fat that rises to the surface.
  • While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 or 2 minutes less than the directions on the package call for, about 8 minutes. Drain well and transfer into a large mixing bowl.
  • Carefully add the meat sauce and stir until thoroughly combined. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a large 9x15-inch or 9x13-inch casserole dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared dish, then use a spatula to even out into a uniform layer. Top with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and then 1/2 of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, being sure to distribute evenly. Top with the rest of the pasta and sauce mixture and give the pan a little shake to settle the sauce. Repeat the cheese application.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is piping hot, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Top with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 627.1 calories, Carbohydrate 58.1 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 30.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.9 g, Sodium 1380.1 mg, Sugar 14.4 g

THE BEST BAKED ZITI



The Best Baked Ziti image

Make and share this The Best Baked Ziti recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Jenny Frenny

Categories     Pork

Time 50m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb dry ziti pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground Italian sausage
1.5 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
salt
1 (6 ounce) package provolone cheese, sliced
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup cottage cheese
1 (6 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  • Fill a large pot with water, add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Cook pasta as the package directs until al dente, then drain.
  • Heat the olive oil in large pan over medium heat. Saute onion in oil until tender. Add the rosemary and garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes more then remove from pan and hold in a small bowl.
  • Cook ground beef and sausage in the pan until done.
  • Return the onion mixture and the spaghetti sauce to the pan. Add salt to taste. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
  • In greased baking dish, spoon 1/2 of the cooked pasta, provolone cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, 1/2 of the meat sauce. Then repeat layering the rest of the ingredients in the same order: pasta, mozzarella cheese, and remaining meat sauce. Top with parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.

BEST BAKED ZITI FOR A CROWD



BEST BAKED ZITI FOR A CROWD image

Guests will RAVE over this cheesy and delicious baked ziti! The dish won first place in a "Chopped Competition" that my husband and I entered with some friends, and it's become one of our "go to" dishes to serve at group gatherings and parties. I also make it ahead of time and freeze it for holiday company and...

Provided by Jamie Tarence

Categories     Casseroles

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 lb dry ziti or penne pasta
1 c chopped onion (frozen is fine)
2 lb lean ground beef
1 hot italian sausage link, crumbled (optional)
4 jar(s) spaghetti sauce (26 ounce each)
3/4 lb sliced provolone (not smoked)
1 c sour cream
1 egg, beaten
16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
4 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 c freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp italian seasoning (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti or penne pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • 2. In a large skillet, brown onion, ground beef and crumbled sausage over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • 3. In medium bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, egg & Italian seasoning.
  • 4. Spray one jumbo or two large aluminum foil pans with cooking spray.
  • 5. Layer ingredients as follows: • half of the sauce • half of the ziti • half of the Provolone cheese, • half of the mozzarella
  • 6. Layer remaining sauce, ziti, provolone & mozzarella.
  • 7. Spread all of ricotta/sour cream mixture on top.
  • 8. Sprinkle parmesan on top.
  • 9. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly, about 45 minutes.
  • 10. IF FREEZING: Assemble as above but do not bake. Wrap well, label, and freeze.
  • 11. TO COOK FROM FROZEN: Place in fridge to thaw a few days before serving. Bake at 350 until bubbly. Allow to rest at least a half hour before serving.

BEST BAKED ZITI EVER



best baked ziti ever image

Everyone I have ever made this for has fallen in love with it. It rarely lasts long.

Provided by stephanie place

Categories     Pasta

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 box whole wheat penne pasta
1 pkg shredded 6 cheese italian mix
2 lb shredded mozzerella
1 lb ground meat (80/20)
1 jar(s) spagetti sauce

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 380 degrees.
  • 2. Brown Ground beef, strain, and then transfer to a very large bowl.
  • 3. Bring pasta to a boil, strain, and transfer to bowl with meat.
  • 4. Mix 1 lb of the mozzarella and the entire italian cheese mix to the meat and pasta and mix together.
  • 5. Add spagetti sauce and toss again to coat thoroughly.
  • 6. Pour mixture into a large baking pan and spread evenly.
  • 7. Take remaining lb of mozzarella and thoroughly cover entire mixture.
  • 8. Place pan in oven and bake until top is brown and bubbly.
  • 9. Enjoy!

BEST BAKED ZITI



Best Baked Ziti image

This is my most favorite Italian recipe. I don't remember where I got this recipe from, but I love to make this when company comes over. Serve with a salad and some warm garlic bread. It's the next best thing to being in heaven!

Provided by Linda Tennant

Categories     Beef

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb dry ziti pasta
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion sliced
1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
4 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork sausage
1 1/2 (26oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
salt to taste
1 pkg (6oz.) provolone cheese, shredded
3/4 c sour cream
3/4 c cottage cheese
1 pkg (6oz.) mozzarella, shredded
2 Tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Bring a lg. pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 min., or until al dente; drain.
  • 2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in lg. heavy skillet over med. heat. Cook onion in oil until tender. Stir in rosemary and garlic. Transfer to a small bowl. Place ground beef and sausage in the skillet. Cook over med. high heat until evenly brown. Stir in the onion mixture and the spaghetti sauce. Season with salt. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 min. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 in. baking dish. In the prepared dish, layer 1/2 the cooked pasta, provolone cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and a little less than 1/2 of the meat mixture. Then layer the rest of the pasta, mozzarella cheese, remaining meat mixture, and Parmesan cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheeses are melted.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for high-quality pasta, cheese, and sauce.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is still slightly firm to the bite. This will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when it is baked.
  • Use a creamy sauce: A creamy sauce will help to create a rich, flavorful dish. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own.
  • Add plenty of cheese: Cheese is a key ingredient in baked ziti. Use a combination of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, for the best flavor.
  • Bake it until bubbly and golden brown: The baked ziti is done when it is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make the best baked ziti that will surely impress your family and friends.

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