Here’s an even more detailed version of the Baked Ziti recipe:

Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Pasta: 1 pound ziti or penne
  • Ground Beef: 1 pound (or ground turkey/sausage as an alternative)
  • Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup), finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup
  • Marinara Sauce: 3 cups (store-bought or homemade)
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
  • Salt and Pepper: to taste
  • Olive Oil: for sautéing
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Cook Pasta: Add the ziti or penne to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests for a firmer texture). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Drain: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta and toss to prevent sticking if it will be sitting for a while.
  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
  • Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Season: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Add Sauce: Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce. Stir and let simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  1. Combine Pasta and Cheese:
  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti or penne with the meat sauce. Add 1 cup of ricotta cheese and mix until well incorporated.
  • Assemble: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Top: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the Parmesan layer.
  1. Bake:
  • Cook: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
  • Broil (Optional): For extra browning, you can turn the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  1. Serve:
  • Cool: Let the baked ziti cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
  • Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
  • Enjoy: Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.

Tips:

  • Sauce: You can use homemade marinara sauce for a richer flavor. Just simmer tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs for about 30 minutes.
  • Cheese Variations: Mix and match cheeses according to your preference. Provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used for different flavors.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the baked ziti a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
  • Freezing: This dish freezes well. Assemble and bake as directed, then let cool completely before freezing. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 60 minutes, or until heated through.

Enjoy your comforting and cheesy Baked Ziti! 🍝

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