Baked Ziti Recipe

Why Baked Ziti is a Great Idea

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is popular all over the world. It is a budget-friendly, easy-to-make, and delicious meal that is perfect for any night of the week. Baked ziti is a comforting dish that is perfect for chilly nights, and it is also great for feeding a crowd. It is a perfect dish for family meals, and it is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this baked ziti recipe for 4 portions:

• 450g ziti pasta
• 450g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 800g canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 450g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 120g grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Add canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Add cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Pour half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining ziti mixture and cheese.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
8. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Variations

Vegetarian Baked Ziti

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add some vegetables of your choice instead. You can use mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them in a pan before adding them to the sauce.

Vegan Baked Ziti

To make this recipe vegan, you can use vegan ground beef instead of regular ground beef. You can also use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Gluten-Free Baked Ziti

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free ziti pasta instead of regular ziti pasta.

Conclusion

This baked ziti recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for any night of the week. It is easy to make, budget-friendly, and delicious. It is perfect for family meals, and it is sure to please everyone. With this recipe, you can enjoy a comforting and delicious meal in no time.

FAQ

What is Baked Ziti?

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that consists of cooked ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. The dish is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What type of cheese is traditionally used in Baked Ziti?

Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese in Baked Ziti. However, you can also use other types of cheese, such as ricotta or Parmesan, depending on your preference.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of ziti. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta used.

Can I make Baked Ziti in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Baked Ziti in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

Can I freeze Baked Ziti?

Yes, you can freeze Baked Ziti for up to 3 months. To freeze, transfer the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container and cover tightly with foil or a lid. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

Can I add meat to Baked Ziti?

Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even chicken to Baked Ziti to make it a heartier dish. Simply brown the meat before adding it to the dish.

Can I make Baked Ziti without tomato sauce?

While tomato sauce is a traditional ingredient in Baked Ziti, you can also make it without tomato sauce. Instead, you can use Alfredo sauce or a combination of cream and Parmesan cheese for a creamy version.

Can I add vegetables to Baked Ziti?

Yes, you can add vegetables to Baked Ziti, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, to make it a healthier and more flavorful dish. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding them to the dish.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out when baking?

To prevent the pasta from drying out when baking, make sure to cook it until it’s al dente and toss it with some tomato sauce before baking. Also, cover the dish with foil while baking to trap in the moisture.

Can I make a vegetarian version of Baked Ziti?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Baked Ziti by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or eggplant, to make it more filling.