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Baked ziti is a hearty and satisfying Italian American cuisine dish. It comes in layers of tender pasta rich with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This treat originates from Italian cuisine, and its timeless recipe has evolved into beloved comfort food. It is perfect for gatherings, dinners, and special occasions. It will complete your meal table, allowing you to enjoy it alone or with a crisp salad and garlic bread. Each bite will be a burst of cheesy and seasonings that will take you to the world of flavors. So grab the ingredients and be ready to experience the irresistible allure of baked ziti.
Ingredients To Make Baked Ziti
- Ziti noodles
- Olive oil
- Garlic pressed
- Yellow onion
- Ground beef
- Mild Italian sausage
- Marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Red pepper flakes
- Mozzarella cheese
- milk ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Black pepper
- Eggs
Ingredient Notes And Variations
Ziti Noodles: The star and traditional ingredient of the dish is known for its tubular shape and ability to hold the sauce. You can use other types of pasta, such as rigatoni, penne, and rotini, as an alternative.
Mild Italian Sausage adds savory flavors with a hint of spice to the dish. You can use plant-based sausages, crumbles, and mushrooms or omit them according to your preferences.
Marinara Sauce: The rich tomato sauce infused with onions, herbs, and garlic provides a flavorful base. You can make it at home or use a store-bought one for convenience.
Italian Seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that add aroma and complexity to the dish. You can use dried herbs or a combination of herbs as an alternative.
Mozzarella, Milk Ricotta, Or Parmesan Cheese: It plays a vital role in adding creaminess and flavors to baked ziti. Experiment with different combinations of cheese to make the dish more innovative.
How To Make Baked Ziti?
1: Prepare The Pasta
Boil the ziti pasta by following the instructions on the package. Once done, drain it and keep it aside.
Turn on the stove and heat a skillet. Chop the onions and garlic cloves. Saute them well in the oil for a few minutes.
Add the sausages and beef once the onion becomes translucent. Cook until the beef and sausages turn slightly brown. Drain the excessive oil from the beef mixture.
Now, it’s time to add the marinara sauce. Sprinkle the salt, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Mix them with a spoon and let them simmer for a few minutes. Keep the heat low.
Cook boiled pasta in the sauce. Once it is done, add half of the meat sauce to the pasta. Keep the half meat sauce aside to use while layering.
2: Prepare The Cheese Mixture
Shred the mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese. Break an egg and add it to the shredded cheese bowl.
Sprinkle fresh, finely cut parsley in it. Mix them with a spoon.
3: Assembling The Pasta
Take a baking tray and add the meat mixture at the bottom. Add a layer of cooked noodles over it. Spread evenly.
Now add a scoop of cheese mixture and spread it. Repeat this layering process until you finish.
4: Bake The Pasta
Turn on the oven and bring its temperature to 375℉(190°C). Bake the pasta for 25 minutes until it starts bubbling.
Top with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound 16-ounce ziti noodles
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 5 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- 3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Take out the ziti pasta from Packeg and cook it by following the instructions. Keep it aside once it is done.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet and keep the heat medium-high.
- Once the oil heats up, add the finely chopped onions and garlic. Saute them for a few minutes.
- When the onions become translucent, add the beef and sausages.
- Let them cook until brown. Remove excessive oil and add the
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet and cook the pasta in it.
- Sprinkle seasoning, salt, and chili flakes. Let the noodles simmer for a few minutes. Once they are done, keep it aside.
- Shred the cheese.
- Break an egg and add it to the shredded cheese bowl. Sprinkle fresh parsley and mix them well.
- To assemble the pasta, take a baking tray.
- Repeat this layering process until finished.
- Preheat the oven at 375℉(190°C) and bake the pasta in oven for 25 minutes until it starts bubbling.
- Once done, sprinkle some fresh parsley leaves and enjoy it hot.
