Baked Ziti My Way Recipe
Overview:
Baked Ziti My Way is a savory delight that combines the comforting flavors of ziti pasta, beef, and a trio of cheeses. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with loved ones. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 55 minutes, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time!
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Serving: undefined (Depends on your appetite!)
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | 1 box |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 package |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 container |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Spaghetti sauce | 1 jar |
Instructions:
-
Boil the Ziti:
- Begin by boiling the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and toasty when it’s time to bake the ziti.
-
Cook the Beef:
- In a microwave-safe dish, brown 1 pound of ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the beef.
- Next, add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked beef, and microwave the mixture on high for 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Now comes the fun part! It’s time to assemble your baked ziti.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta.
- Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
-
Layer and Bake:
- Pour the remaining ziti pasta over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Top it off with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses for an extra gooey finish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Dish up generous portions of this cheesy, meaty goodness and watch as your family and friends dig in with delight!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1221.7
- Fat: 83.7g
- Saturated Fat: 39.5g
- Cholesterol: 173.8mg
- Sodium: 966.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 70.1g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugar: 8.8g
- Protein: 44.7g
Tips and Tricks:
- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the ziti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if the ziti is cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Baked Ziti My Way is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. With its hearty layers of pasta, savory beef, and gooey cheeses, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of cheesy perfection with this irresistible baked ziti recipe! 🍝🧀
