Classic Baked Ziti
๐ Cook Time: 30 minutes
๐ Prep Time: 20 minutes
๐ Total Time: 50 minutes
๐ฅ Description: Indulge in the timeless goodness of Classic Baked Ziti with this delightful recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. This cheesy delight brings together the savory flavors of lean ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic, all simmered in a rich sauce, and baked to perfection. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress!
๐ฝ๏ธ Recipe Category: Cheese
๐ Keywords: Meat, European, < 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that your ziti bakes evenly and develops a delicious golden crust.
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Cook ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. This step infuses the meat with rich flavors and aromas.
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Add sauce and seasonings: Once the beef is cooked, stir in the spaghetti sauce, chicken broth, and dried oregano leaves. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This step creates a luscious and savory sauce that coats each ziti noodle perfectly.
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Combine sauce and ziti: After simmering, remove the sauce from heat. In a separate pot, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then stir 1 cup of the prepared sauce into the cooked ziti noodles. This ensures that every bite of ziti is coated in delicious sauce.
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Layer in baking dish: Spoon half of the ziti mixture into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the ziti layer. These cheeses add a gooey, melty texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
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Add remaining sauce and ziti: Pour 2 cups of the remaining sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage. Then, top with the remaining ziti mixture, spreading it out gently. Finally, pour the remaining sauce over the ziti layer, ensuring that all the pasta is coated with sauce.
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Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together while the ziti cooks through and becomes perfectly tender.
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Finish with cheese: After 20 minutes of baking, remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti. This adds a delightful cheesy crust that’s golden and bubbling.
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Final bake: Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the ziti is heated through. This final step ensures that your Classic Baked Ziti emerges from the oven piping hot and irresistibly delicious.
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Serve and enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the ziti from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley, if desired. Serve this Classic Baked Ziti alongside a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions: Classic Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with a side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy leftovers the next day for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner option.
๐ Note: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or Italian sausage to the sauce for extra flavor and texture. Additionally, you can substitute different types of cheese such as ricotta or provolone for a unique twist on this classic dish.
