Introduction
Comfort food lovers rejoice! This baked ziti recipe combines hearty flavors and gooey cheese for a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. With ground beef, savory tomatoes, and three types of cheese, this meal is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight meals. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 small white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
8-ounce can Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped
Olive oil
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30-40 minutes
Total Time
45-55 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8 people
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. Add the whole peeled tomatoes and crushed tomatoes to the beef mixture. Break the whole tomatoes into smaller pieces as they cook. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
7. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta.
8. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Ziti Pasta
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 5: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Add the whole peeled tomatoes and crushed tomatoes to the beef mixture. Break the whole tomatoes into smaller pieces as they cook. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
Step 7: First Layer in Baking Dish
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta.
Step 8: Second Layer and Cheese
Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Make Ahead
You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a technique used to cook food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, diced onions and minced garlic are sautéed until translucent to build a flavorful base for the meat sauce.
Browning
Browning ground beef involves cooking it until the meat changes color and develops a rich flavor. This step enhances the taste of the meat sauce by adding depth and complexity.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method that involves holding a liquid just below boiling point. Here, whole peeled and crushed tomatoes are added to the browned beef, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken as it simmers for about 10 minutes.
Layering
Layering is the process of arranging ingredients in a particular order. In this recipe, the pasta mixture and cheeses are layered in a baking dish, creating a structure that allows for even cooking and melting of the cheese.
Baking
Baking uses dry heat in an oven to cook food. After assembling the dish, it is baked until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, resulting in a deliciously cheesy casserole.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, as long as they can hold up to baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh herbs.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute, and consider using vegetable broth in the sauce.
Conclusion
This baked ziti recipe is a hearty and delicious dish that brings together the comforting flavors of pasta and gooey cheese, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With the combination of ground beef, flavorful sauces, and three types of cheese, it is sure to satisfy any appetite. Topped with fresh basil, it not only tastes great but also looks appealing, adding a touch of color to the table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use ricotta cheese along with the mozzarella and cheddar for a creamy texture.
Chicken Alfredo Ziti
Replace the beef with grilled chicken and use a rich Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce, mixing in broccoli for added nutrition.
Spicy Sausage Ziti
Use spicy Italian sausage in place of ground beef and add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. Finish with provolone cheese for a unique flavor.
Mexican Ziti
Incorporate black beans, corn, and taco seasoning into the meat sauce. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and serve with avocado slices.
Pesto Ziti
Mix pesto sauce with the meat sauce for a fresh twist. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach before baking for a burst of flavor and color.
