Best Baked Ziti Recipe
Description:
Looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also a guaranteed hit with everyone? Look no further than this Best Baked Ziti recipe! It’s not only incredibly tasty but also simple to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a bustling potluck event. With layers of pasta, cheeses, and savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, you can even prepare it ahead of time, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring some Italian-inspired goodness to your table!
Key Information:
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 584.1 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 10 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups provolone cheese
- 6 ounces ricotta cheese
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. | – |
| 2 | Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain. | 8 minutes |
| 3 | In a large skillet, brown onion, garlic, and ground beef over medium heat. | – |
| 4 | Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer for 15 minutes. | 15 minutes |
| 5 | Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). | – |
| 6 | Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. | – |
| 7 | Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, Ricotta, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese, and remaining sauce mixture. | – |
| 8 | Cover with foil. | – |
| 9 | Bake for 35 minutes in the preheated oven. | 35 minutes |
| 10 | Remove from oven and remove foil. | – |
| 11 | Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to the oven uncovered. | – |
| 12 | Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. | 5 minutes |
Tips:
- Make Ahead: If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients, such as mushrooms, spinach, or Italian sausage.
- Serve with: Serve this baked ziti alongside a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 584.1
- Fat: 19.1g
- Saturated Fat: 8.7g
- Cholesterol: 67.7mg
- Sodium: 1317.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 67.2g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Sugar: 19.3g
- Protein: 34.2g
Conclusion:
With its flavorful layers of pasta, cheeses, and savory sauce, this Best Baked Ziti recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, with its easy preparation and make-ahead option, it’s a convenient choice for busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed by its deliciousness!
