Easy Baked Ziti

Easy Baked Ziti

Introduction

Easy Baked Ziti is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone loves. It combines ziti pasta, savory sauces, and melted cheese to create a meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but satisfying enough to impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Easy Baked Ziti is a great idea for several reasons. First, it is quick to prepare and cooks in the oven while you relax or prepare side dishes. Second, it is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for parties or potlucks. Lastly, it uses common ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, making it budget-friendly.

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti

Making Easy Baked Ziti is straightforward and fun. Follow the directions below to create this tasty meal.

Ingredients:

• Ziti pasta
• Alfredo sauce
• Ground beef
• Spaghetti sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked beef and stir to combine.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, alfredo sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
5. In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, then half of the beef sauce, and top with the remaining ziti. Spread the remaining beef sauce over the top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti

Serve Easy Baked Ziti hot from the oven. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Easy Baked Ziti

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Baked ziti will last up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Easy Baked Ziti

• To add more flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or spices to the beef sauce.
• Use a mix of cheeses for more depth of flavor; provolone or cheddar can be great additions.
• For extra creaminess, mix in some ricotta cheese with the ziti and alfredo sauce.

Variations

You can customize this recipe according to your taste. For instance, if you want a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Adding spinach or kale can also boost the nutritional value.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook them until al dente.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. What should I serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti goes well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Enjoy making and sharing your Easy Baked Ziti! It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table.

Easy Baked Ziti

A delicious and comforting dish combining ziti pasta, savory sauces, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauces

• 1 pound Ziti pasta Cook according to package instructions.
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 pound Ground beef Brown until cooked through.
• 1 jar Spaghetti sauce

Cheeses

• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese Shredded.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
• In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain the excess fat.
• Add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked beef and stir to combine.
• In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, alfredo sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Assembly and Baking

• In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, then half of the beef sauce, and top with the remaining ziti.
• Spread the remaining beef sauce over the top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot from the oven with fresh parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Consider adding Italian herbs or spices for extra flavor.

Keyword Cheese, Comfort Food, Easy Baked Ziti, family meal, pasta