Are you craving a delicious and comforting pasta dish? Look no further than this mouthwatering Baked Ziti recipe. With its rich flavors and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.

Ingredients

To make this delectable Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) of marinara sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
4. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Once baked, let the Baked Ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to make this Baked Ziti ahead of time, you can assemble it in the baking dish and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake it according to the instructions.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ziti pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad and some crusty garlic bread. It’s also a great dish to serve at potlucks or family gatherings. Your guests will be impressed with the flavors and textures of this classic pasta bake.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy a delightful Baked Ziti that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart.

Introduction

Baked Ziti is not your average pasta bake. It’s a big, juicy baked pasta dish that is bursting with flavor and topped with plenty of cheese. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food that is easy enough for a midweek meal, yet impressive enough for company.

What is Baked Ziti?

Baked Ziti is an American classic pasta bake made with a tomato-based meat sauce, similar to Bolognese. It’s made with a type of pasta called Ziti, which looks like penne but has a smooth surface instead of ridges. While Baked Ziti is an Italian American dish, it has Italian origins and has been enjoyed in Italy for centuries.

The Ultimate Pasta Sauce

This version of Baked Ziti takes the meat sauce to the next level by adding a variety of seasonings. The result is a pasta sauce that is packed with flavor, without the need for hours of simmering like traditional Ragu. Once you try this meat sauce, you may never go back to Bolognese again!

What Goes in Baked Ziti

Here are the key ingredients for making Baked Ziti:

• Meat: You can use all beef for a classic version, but for an extra delicious meat sauce, try using a combination of pork and beef.
• Tomato Passata: This thick and smooth tomato puree creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. If you can’t find tomato passata, you can use canned crushed tomatoes with a bit of tomato paste.
• Seasonings: In addition to the classic Italian seasonings like basil and oregano, this recipe includes optional fennel seeds for an extra special touch.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Making Baked Ziti is as easy as making Bolognese. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Cook the ziti pasta until it’s slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven and prepare the sauce by sautéing onion and garlic, then adding the meat and seasonings.
3. Stir in the tomato passata, water, basil, oregano, and sugar. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
4. Toss the cooked ziti with some of the sauce in a pot, then spread it into a baking dish.
5. Dollop ricotta cheese on top of the ziti, and pour the remaining sauce over it.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Bake in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley or basil for garnish.

Tips and Substitutions

• Baked Ziti can be made ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating or freezing it before baking.
• Cover the dish with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from sticking, then remove the foil for the final few minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
• If you can’t find ziti pasta, penne or other short pasta shapes like spirals, macaroni, or small shells work well.
• Serve Baked Ziti with a side salad, such as arugula/rocket salad with balsamic dressing and shaved Parmesan, to add some greens to your meal.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is the ultimate pasta bake that is sure to please. With its flavorful meat sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. So why not treat yourself to a cozy night in with a bowl of Baked Ziti and your favorite Netflix show? Enjoy!

BONUS RECIPE: Try this Amazing Blackberry Margarita

Who says you can’t enjoy a delicious cocktail? Treat yourself to a refreshing Blackberry Margarita filled with luscious blackberries – it’s one of my all-time favorites!

A Margarita like no other

I may not be a huge drinker, but when it comes to margaritas, I make an exception. This cocktail is not only delicious but also absolutely beautiful! The combination of flavors will leave you craving for more. It’s harder than you think to have just one sip, trust me!

The Key to Perfection: Fresh Berries

Remember, the key to a perfect Blackberry Margarita lies in using fresh berries. Their natural sweetness adds a delightful twist to this classic cocktail.

What You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 oz Tequila
• 1/2 oz Triple sec
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• 2 tbsp Blackberry simple syrup
• 1 cup Blackberries (pureed)
• 1 cup sugar (1/4 cup for berry puree, rest for syrup)
• 1 cup Sweet and Sour mix
• Simple syrup
• Margarita Salt
• Ice
• 1 Lime for garnish

How to Make it

1. In a blender, puree 1/4 cup of fresh blackberries and 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth. Set aside.
2. In a small pot, make the blackberry simple syrup. Combine 3/4 cup of blackberries, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Use a potato masher to smash the berries. Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes before pouring it through a strainer into a bowl. Store the syrup in the refrigerator until ready to use.
4. For the cocktail, combine the liquors, blackberry simple syrup, and sweet and sour mix in a shaker. Shake well to combine, then set aside.
5. Take an appetizer plate and pour 1 tbsp. of simple syrup on it. Dip the rim of your glassware in the simple syrup, then coat it with margarita salt.
6. Fill the glass 3/4 of the way with ice.
7. Pour the liquor mix into the glass.
8. Top with pureed blackberries and give it a light stir.
9. Garnish with a lime wheel.
10. Enjoy every sip of your homemade Blackberry Margarita!

Whether it’s a party or a quiet evening at home, this Blackberry Margarita is perfect for any occasion. Cheers to good times!