Baked Ziti

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need for the recipe:

1. Ziti Pasta – 16 ounces (1 pound)
2. Ground Beef – 1 pound (you can also use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork)
3. Onion – 1 small onion, chopped
4. Spaghetti Sauce – 2 jars (26 ounces each) of your favorite store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce
5. Provolone Cheese – 6 slices
6. Sour Cream – 1½ cups
7. Mozzarella Cheese – 6 ounces, shredded
8. Parmesan Cheese – 2 tablespoons, grated
9. Salt and Pepper – To taste
10. Butter – For greasing the baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until it’s al dente, which typically takes about 8 minutes. Al dente means the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. This should take about 7-10 minutes. If you want to cut down on fat, you can drain off any excess grease from the beef.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory sauce that will be layered into the ziti.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

While the meat sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oven is ready when it’s time to bake the ziti.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

To assemble the baked ziti, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish during baking.

1. First Layer: Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Second Layer: Place 6 slices of Provolone cheese evenly over the pasta.
3. Third Layer: Spread 1½ cups of sour cream over the cheese layer.
4. Fourth Layer: Pour half of the meat sauce over the sour cream.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Now, repeat the layers using the remaining ingredients:

1. Spread the remaining ziti on top of the meat sauce.
2. Sprinkle 6 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
3. Pour the remaining half of the meat sauce over the mozzarella.
4. Finally, top the dish with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This gives the dish a delightful, golden crust when baked.

Step 6: Bake the Ziti

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is golden and slightly crispy around the edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make the ziti easier to serve. Enjoy your baked ziti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

The History of Baked Ziti

Baked ziti traces its origins to Italian-American cuisine, which itself is an adaptation of traditional Italian dishes. While pasta al forno (oven-baked pasta) has long been a part of Italian culinary traditions, ziti became a popular pasta choice in the U.S. thanks to its hollow, tubular shape, which holds sauces and cheese exceptionally well. Over the years, this dish has evolved to suit American tastes, often incorporating a variety of cheeses, meats, and sometimes even vegetables to create a rich, filling casserole.

In Italy, pasta al forno may be prepared with different types of pasta such as rigatoni or penne, and the sauces can vary from region to region. In the U.S

Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: While store-bought spaghetti sauce works well in this recipe, using homemade sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will elevate the dish to a whole new level.
2. Add Vegetables: If you want to add some extra nutrition to your baked ziti, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. These vegetables can be sautéed and added to the meat sauce for a more balanced dish.
3. Cheese Variations: While this recipe calls for Provolone, Mozzarella, and Parmesan, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or fontina. Ricotta can be layered with the pasta for a creamier texture.
4. Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or layer in some spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
5. Prepare in Advance: Baked ziti can easily be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re freezing it, make sure to allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
6. Serving Sizes: This recipe serves about 8-10 people, making it ideal for larger gatherings or family dinners. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can halve the ingredients and use a smaller baking dish.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, cheesy dish that brings people together. With its rich layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and gooey cheeses, it’s sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or potluck. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also flexible, allowing you to make it your own with different ingredients or variations.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, baked ziti is a great recipe to have in your repertoire. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover pasta or sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

So, next time you’re craving a comforting pasta dish, give this baked ziti recipe a try. Your family and friends will thank you, and you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal to enjoy together.