Baked Ziti: A Comforting Classic for Chilly Days
When the cold weather sets in and your cravings lean toward something warm and delightful, thereโs nothing quite like a hearty serving of Baked Ziti. This recipe yields a generous amount, ensuring that your family can enjoy leftovers or even freeze portions for later. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its comforting flavors but also in its adaptability, allowing for variations to suit your taste. The aroma of the simmering sauce wafting through your home is a lovely prelude to the meal, making it a favorite in many households.
Recipe Overview
| Name | Baked Ziti |
|---|---|
| Category | Pork |
| Description | A comforting dish perfect for cold days. |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 3 hours |
| Servings | Approximately 8 servings |
| Rating | โ โ โ โ โ (5/5 based on 3 reviews) |
Ingredients
Hereโs what youโll need to prepare this delicious Baked Ziti. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the depth of flavor that makes this dish so satisfying.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Crushed tomatoes | 4 cans |
| Fresh basil | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Dried oregano | 2-3 teaspoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Brown sugar | 2-3 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian sausage | 1 pound |
| Ziti pasta | 1 pound |
| Ricotta cheese | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 ยฝ – 2 cups |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2-3 cups shredded |
Nutritional Information
For those keeping an eye on nutritional content, hereโs a breakdown of what one serving of Baked Ziti offers:
| Nutritional Element | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 716.3 |
| Total Fat | 23.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 103.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1516.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 95.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5 g |
| Sugars | 17 g |
| Protein | 32.3 g |
Instructions
Creating Baked Ziti is a straightforward process that culminates in a deliciously cheesy, savory, and hearty dish that is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Follow these detailed instructions to make your own:
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Prepare the Sauce: In a large Dutch oven, begin by heating the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautรฉing them for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent.
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Add Tomatoes: Pour in all four cans of crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the sautรฉed onions and garlic.
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Season the Sauce: Add the fresh basil, dried oregano, brown sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and make any necessary adjustments, such as adding more salt or brown sugar according to your preference.
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Incorporate the Meat: Carefully add in the browned meatballs and uncooked Italian sausage to the sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer for an additional 1 ยฝ to 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the sausage to cook through and infuse the sauce with rich flavors.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture: About 10 minutes before the sauce is done simmering, prepare the cheese mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until fully incorporated.
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Combine Cheese and Sauce: Take about 2 ยฝ cups of the warm sauce from the pot and mix it into the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly blended. Keep the remaining sauce with the meatballs and sausage warm on low heat.
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Cook the Ziti: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
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Combine Pasta with Sauce: Toss the cooked ziti with the cheese/sauce mixture until all the pasta is coated.
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Assemble in Baking Pan: Spoon the ziti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Depending on the size of your pan, you might need to use a larger one or even split the mixture into multiple pans.
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Top with Mozzarella: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and bake the assembled dish for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, allow the Baked Ziti to cool slightly before serving. Ladle extra sauce, meatballs, and sausage over each serving for an added touch of flavor. Enjoy this delicious meal with your family, relishing in the warmth and comfort it brings.
Baked Ziti is truly a wonderful dish that combines the rich flavors of seasoned meat and aromatic herbs with the comforting textures of pasta and cheese, making it a perfect addition to your winter meal rotation. Not only is it ideal for family dinners, but it also makes for a fantastic dish to bring to gatherings or to prepare ahead and freeze for those busy nights. Enjoy every savory bite and the delightful moments shared around the table!
