Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Easy baked ziti is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty meal combines pasta, meat, and cheese, making it a family favorite.
Why Make This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Making easy baked ziti is a great idea for several reasons:
- Quick to prepare: It takes less than an hour from start to finish.
- Feeds a crowd: This dish is filling and perfect for gatherings.
- Easy to customize: You can add different meats or vegetables based on your preference.
- Leftovers taste great: It holds up well in the fridge for future meals.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti
Making this easy baked ziti is simple. Just follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) tomato-based pasta sauce
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the tomato-based pasta sauce and Italian seasoning to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the beef and sauce mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Pour half of the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the rest of the ziti mixture and top with the remaining cheeses.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti
Serve your easy baked ziti with:
- A side salad
- Garlic bread
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese on top
This dish is fun and easy to share with family and friends.
How to Store Easy Baked Ziti
To store leftovers of your easy baked ziti:
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Easy Baked Ziti
Here are some tips to enhance your easy baked ziti:
- Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor.
- Make it ahead of time and bake just before serving.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Variations of Easy Baked Ziti
You can try these variations for unique flavors:
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or sausage.
- Use penne or fusilli pasta instead of ziti.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
FAQs About Easy Baked Ziti
Can I make easy baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and store it in the fridge. Bake when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze easy baked ziti?
Absolutely! Freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when needed.
What can I serve with easy baked ziti?
Garlic bread and a fresh salad are great accompaniments.
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