Cheesy baked ziti

“Delight in the cheesy goodness of Baked Ziti—a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together al dente ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese. This cheesy baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser, promising a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful.”

Baked ziti comes in countless delicious variations. Some boast a hearty layer of cheese, mingling with a tomato-based sauce featuring ground beef, while others skip the meat and opt for different sauce twists like pesto or sour cream.

Each cook has their favored blend, a perfect cheese ratio, and the go-to sauce. Regardless, all baked ziti recipes make for a fantastic and convenient weeknight dinner, allowing you to incorporate whatever you have on hand. Our ziti casserole is a tasty blend of seasoned tomato sauce with ground beef, baked to perfection and crowned with a gooey mozzarella cheese topping.

Originally served in Southern Italy, especially during times when a bride, or “zita,” presented lunch to her new husband, the term “ziti” itself was slang for such young ladies. Baked ziti was a staple in nuptial feasts. While the Americanized version has evolved with ingredient additions and subtractions, nowadays, the beauty of this casserole lies in its adaptability – anything and everything can find its way into the mix, and there’s no single traditional recipe.

The Story of Cheesy Baked Ziti:

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a story of comfort and indulgence, where pasta meets gooey melted cheese in a harmonious blend. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a hearty and satisfying meal. The al dente ziti, flavorful marinara sauce, and layers of melted cheese make this baked ziti a timeless favorite for families and gatherings.

Why You Should Make this Recipe:

• Family-Friendly Comfort: Embrace the warmth of a classic baked ziti that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, saucy goodness.
• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests with a dish that’s easy to make but delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Dive into a cheesy paradise with layers of mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a golden crust that adds to the irresistible appeal of this baked ziti.

How to Serve:

Serving Cheesy Baked Ziti is a delightful experience:

1. Cook the Ziti: Boil the ziti pasta until al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite for perfect texture.
2. Mix with Marinara: Combine the cooked ziti with a generous amount of marinara sauce, ensuring each piece is coated in the flavorful goodness.
3. Layer with Cheese: In a baking dish, layer the ziti and sauce mixture with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a gooey and golden topping.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a tempting crust that enhances the overall appeal of the dish.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out servings, savoring the cheesy layers and the comforting blend of pasta and sauce.

What Goes Well With this Recipe:

Cheesy Baked Ziti pairs well with complementary dishes and accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a satisfying side that complements the pasta and sauce.
• Green Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
• Italian Sausage: Add cooked Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor and protein.

Storage Info:

If there are any leftovers, here’s how to keep the cheesy goodness:

1. Cool Down: Allow the baked ziti to cool to room temperature before storing any remaining portions.
2. Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
3. Reheat (Optional): Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Tips and Notes:

• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese varieties or a blend for a personalized touch, such as adding ricotta for creaminess.
• Herb Infusion: Enhance the marinara sauce with herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added depth of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake for a convenient meal option.

“Celebrate the joy of comfort food with Cheesy Baked Ziti—a timeless classic that combines al dente pasta, flavorful marinara, and layers of gooey melted cheese for a truly satisfying meal.”

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RECIPE :

Cheesy baked ziti

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or 1 small minced clove garlic
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more to taste
• 1 pound lean ground beef, ground chuck, or ground round
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, more as needed
• 8 ounces dry ziti pasta
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. Lightly butter a 2 1/2-quart baking dish. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
3. Drizzle oil in a large skillet or sauté pan and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.
4. Drain off the excess fat. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.
5. While the meat is simmering, cook the ziti in the boiling salted water until just al dente. The pasta should still have some bite, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Set aside. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot with the meat mixture and half of the mozzarella. Stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7. Top the casserole with the remaining half of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake the ziti until the cheese melts and begins to bubble and brown, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.