**Introducing Zippy Baked Ziti: A Flavorful Italian Casserole Dish with Endless Variations**
Ziti, a beloved pasta shape with its tubular form and ridged surface, takes center stage in this delightful baked ziti dish. Originating from the vibrant culinary traditions of Southern Italy, this casserole is a symphony of flavors and textures, showcasing a delectable combination of tender pasta, a rich and savory sauce, and a golden-brown, crispy cheese topping.
Our collection of zippy baked ziti recipes offers a diverse range of culinary creations, each with its unique twist on this classic dish. From the classic version, featuring a hearty meat sauce and a blend of cheeses, to lighter variations with vegetables or seafood, these recipes cater to various dietary preferences and tastes.
Whether you're seeking a comforting family meal, a special occasion centerpiece, or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, our curated selection of baked ziti recipes has something for every home cook. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and mouthwatering images, these recipes will guide you in creating a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize taste buds and leave your loved ones craving for more.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to savor the delectable delights of zippy baked ziti. Let's dive into the collection and discover the perfect recipe to suit your taste and occasion.
BAKED ZITI
This cheesy Baked Ziti is easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Provided by Shauna
Categories Dinner
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Cook ziti and set aside
- On medium heat cook beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned
- Stir in sauces and oregano, and keep on heat until mixture starts to boil
- Combine 1 cup of beef/sauce mixture with cooked ziti
- Spoon in ½ of ziti mixture into a large baking dish
- Top with ricotta and 1 cup of mozzarella and 1 cup of sauce
- Spoon in the rest of the ziti mixture and top with the rest of the sauce
- Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes
Nutrition Facts : Calories 567 kcal, Carbohydrate 53 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 25 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 87 mg, Sodium 1040 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving
BAKED ZITI
Baked ziti is classic Italian-American comfort food! Bake ziti pasta with sausage, tomato sauce, and all kinds of gooey, yummy cheeses. This easy baked ziti recipe is always a hit!
Provided by Elise Bauer
Categories Dinner Budget Casserole Comfort Food Freezer-friendly Make-ahead Pantry Meal Casserole Cheese Italian Italian Sausage Pasta
Time 1h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water (for every 2 quarts of water, one tablespoon of salt) to a strong boil. Add the pasta and cook at a rolling boil, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente-edible but still a little firm to the bite. Drain the pasta through a colander. Toss with a little olive oil so the pasta does not stick together while you make the sauce.
- Brown the meat: While the water is heating in the previous step, start on the sauce. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, add the bulk sausage or ground meat. Break up any large chunks of sausage as it cooks. Brown well. Don't stir that often or it will be more difficult for the meat to brown. If you are using ground beef or pork instead of sausage, sprinkle with a little salt.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 557 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 78 mg, Fiber 4 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sodium 1510 mg, Sugar 9 g, Fat 32 g, ServingSize Serves at least 8, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
THE BEST BAKED ZITI
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
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
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.
BAKED ZITI I
A lady I worked with brought this in one day, and it was a hit. Now it is the favorite of all my dinner guests. It's great for a covered dish dinner too. I have made this also without the meat, and it is well received.
Provided by Colleen B. Smith
Categories Pasta and Noodles Pasta by Shape Recipes Ziti Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
- In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 578.2 calories, Carbohydrate 58.4 g, Cholesterol 71.3 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 27.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 913.6 mg, Sugar 14.3 g
CROWD-PLEASING BAKED ZITI
This isn't your mama's baked pasta! My zippy ziti boasts all the comfort and heartiness of Mom's but with little kick from crushed red pepper flakes. Feel free to take the heat up a notch by using hot Italian sausage instead of sweet. The dish is easy to transport, making it great for potlucks.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 2h25m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, cook the beef, sausage, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, basil, sugar, salt, pepper flakes and pepper., Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Uncover; simmer 15-30 minutes longer or until sauce reaches desired thickness. Discard bay leaf. Cool., Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup sauce mixture, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Romano cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and pasta., Spread 1-1/2 cups sauce mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Dot with 1/2 cup ricotta cheese. Top with pasta mixture. Pour remaining sauce mixture over the top. Dot with remaining ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, Romano and Parmesan cheeses., Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts :
ZIPPY BAKED ZITI
This recipe originally came from my mother, as most recipes I use have. Some people think that making your own marinara sauce is daunting, but it's soooo easy and it makes all the difference in this recipe to use a freshly made sauce versus a canned variety! Look for my "Mmmarinara Sauce" recipe!
Provided by Megan Berg
Categories Pasta Sides
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- 2. In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with the Mmmarinara sauce, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, all of the Romano, and the mozzarella cubes.
- 3. Season with the red pepper and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
- 4. Transfer the pasta mix into an oiled 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover the top of the pasta with the mozzarella slices, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
- 5. Bake until lightly browned, approximately 30 minutes.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will be. Use fresh vegetables, high-quality cheese, and a flavorful sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant.
- Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what really makes this dish shine. Use a sauce that is rich, flavorful, and has a good balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make baked ziti. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find a dish that you love.
Conclusion:
Baked ziti is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, can be customized to your liking, and is always a crowd-pleaser. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give baked ziti a try. You won't be disappointed.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love