Mama Mia the Ultimate Classic Baked Ziti

Mama Mia! The Ultimate Classic Baked Ziti

Fancy a bit of comfort food, darlings? Do you know How to Make the Best Baked Ziti ? It’s proper Italian comfort, straight from my (hypothetical) Nonna's kitchen.

Trust me; this Italian Pasta Casserole is what you need after a long day. The perfect combination of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbly mozzarella? Forget about it!

A Slice of Italy in Your Kitchen

This Classic Baked Ziti Recipe isn't some modern fad, alright? It's a timeless dish, a real Comfort Food Pasta Bake , born from Italian American kitchens.

Originating as a way to use leftover pasta and sauces, it quickly became a family staple. This recipe is easy to make, taking only about 1 hour 15 minutes.

It yields 8-10 servings. Perfect for a big family dinner or a potluck.

Why You'll Fall in Love with This Baked Ziti Recipe

Okay, darling , let's be real. Who doesn't love a Best Baked Ziti ? It's got that protein kick from the meat and cheese.

Perfect for impressing your mates or just treating yourself on a Sunday night. This recipe is a little bit special because it is based on online recipes with my chef-y twists.

Let's Get the Basics in Order

What You Need to Make This Magic Happen

For That Glorious Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml): The foundation of our flavour!
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup, 150g): Gotta have that base!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons, 6g): Don't skimp on the garlic.
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend) (450g): For that hearty goodness.
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, your choice!) (225g): Adds a bit of zing!
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml): A touch of Italian summer.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (2.5 ml): Essential for that aroma.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (1.25 ml): Kick it up a notch!
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g): The heart of the sauce.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g): For a smoother texture.
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (170g): Thickens things up.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (5 ml): Balances the acidity.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml): Bring out the flavour.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml): A little spice, darling.

The Dreamy Cheese Filling

• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese (425g): Creamy, dreamy goodness.
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Binds everything together.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g): Adds a salty, nutty touch.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.25 ml): Enhances the flavours.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (pinch) (0.625ml): A hint of warmth.

Pasta & Assembly the Grand Finale!

• 1 pound Ziti Pasta (450g): It wouldn't be Baked Ziti without it, would it?
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (approx. 400g): That melty, gooey topping.
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional): For a pop of freshness.

Honestly, just looking at that list makes my mouth water! Are you ready to get started? Let's do this!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Baked Ziti

Alright, darling, let's talk about what you need to make this magical Italian Pasta Casserole happen. Don't worry, it's not a huge list, and I'll even give you some sneaky swaps if you're missing something.

Honestly, Easy Baked Ziti is the goal!

Main Ingredients

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Use good quality, extra virgin. If you're in a pinch, any cooking oil will do, but olive oil adds a lovely flavour.
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup , 150g). Yellow or white, doesn't matter. It's gonna cook down anyway!
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons , 6g). Fresh is best. Jarred is fine in a pinch.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g), 80/20 blend. A bit of fat is flavour, baby!
• Italian Sausage: 1/2 pound (225g), casings removed, sweet or hot. I like hot for a kick!
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Don't skip this!
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). It adds a certain je ne sais quoi!
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml), optional. Just a tiny bit, unless you really like heat.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Look for good quality, not watery.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g). Essential for the sauce base.
• Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce) can (170g). This adds richness and depth.
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Trust me!
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Seasoning is key!
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml). Freshly ground is always better.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 (15 ounce) container (425g). Full fat is best for creamy goodness. Look for smooth texture.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten. Binds the ricotta mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated (25g). Adds a salty, nutty flavour.
• Nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoon (pinch) (0.625ml). Just a hint!
• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (450g). Of course! You can use penne if you can't find Ziti Pasta , don't stress.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 4 cups shredded (approx. 400g). Low-moisture, part skim melts best.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: for garnish, optional. Pretty and fragrant!

Seasoning Notes

Our essential combo is oregano, basil, and garlic. It's the holy trinity of Italian flavor! Red pepper flakes add heat, and a pinch of sugar mellows the tomatoes.

If you don't have fresh garlic, use garlic powder, but honestly, the real deal is worth it.

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta. Obvs.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For the sauce. Deep is better!
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The star of the show!
• Mixing Bowls: For the ricotta mixture.
• Colander: For draining the pasta.

If you don't have a fancy Dutch oven, a regular large pot will work fine. And hey, if you're missing a colander, just use a sieve or carefully drain the pasta in the pot! We’re going for a Classic Baked Ziti Recipe here, so simple swaps are okay! This Comfort Food Pasta Bake is meant to be easy.

Let's learn How to Make the Best version!

The Art of the Bake: Mama Mia! The Ultimate Classic Baked Ziti

Comfort Food Pasta Bake , is there anything better? Honestly, just the thought of it makes me hungry. And who doesn't love a good Italian Pasta Casserole ? Let me share my version of the Best Baked Ziti .

A baked ziti recipe, passed down (sort of) and tweaked over time. It's not just a recipe; it's a hug in a baking dish!

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Okay, darling , let's talk prep. It makes all the difference. Chop your onion (1 medium, about 1 cup), mince your garlic (2 cloves), and get your cheeses ready.

Having everything measured and within reach saves so much time and stress. Trust me, I've been there, scrambling for ingredients mid-sauce! Time estimates: Prep Time: 30 minutes , Cook Time: 45 minutes , Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

The Magic Process: From Pot to Plate

1. Cook the ziti: Al dente is key. Overcooked ziti will become mush, and nobody wants that. Don’t worry we are creating a Easy Baked Ziti . Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
2. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic, saute for about 5 minutes . Then add 1 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
3. Simmer that sauce: Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer the sauce for at least 20 minutes , or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Cheese it up: In a medium bowl, mix 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, 1 large egg , 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
5. Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Spread a thin layer of sauce in your baking dish. Mix the cooked ziti with the remaining sauce. Layer half the ziti in the dish, dollop with ricotta, and sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes , remove foil, and bake for 25 minutes more.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Techniques

Don't skip the resting period! Let your Baked Ziti sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This lets the cheese set, and prevents a soupy mess.

Another tip? Splurge on good quality cheese. It makes a huge difference in the final flavor. If you don't like meat you can easily switch this recipe to a Vegetarian Baked Ziti .

And honestly, don't be afraid to experiment with the seasonings in the sauce. Make it your own, you know? You should see the end product, a Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Honestly, learning How to Make the Best Baked Ziti with Ricotta has been a journey. There have been plenty of messy moments! But the payoff? A dish that brings everyone together, every single time.

It's more than just food; it's a memory in the making.

Recipe Notes for the Best Classic Baked Ziti

Okay, darling, let's dive deeper! Making this Classic Baked Ziti Recipe is simpler than you think. It’s all about the details to get that perfect Comfort Food Pasta Bake we all crave.

You know, that warm, cheesy, oh-so-satisfying feeling? I swear, this Easy Baked Ziti is the answer to nearly everything.

Serving Suggestions: Let's Make it Pretty!

Plating can totally elevate your Italian Pasta Casserole . A sprinkle of fresh basil? Yes, please! A side of garlicky bread is also perfect.

Honestly, a simple green salad cuts through the richness of the Baked Ziti with Ricotta . And don't forget a nice Chianti!

Storage Tips: Leftovers? If There Are Any!

• Refrigeration: The Baked Ziti keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Wanna freeze it? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until heated through.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. Or, bake the whole casserole until bubbly!

Variations: Make it Your Own!

• Veggie Power: Skip the meat! Load up on mushrooms, peppers, and spinach. This Ziti Recipe is super versatile.
• Lower Carb: Swap the Ziti Pasta for lentil pasta for a healthier Baked Ziti .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite!

Each serving is packed with protein. It also has carbohydrates and a good dose of comfort. (Estimated: Calories: 550-650, Protein: 30-35g, Fat: 25-35g, Carbohydrates: 50-60g, Fiber: 4-5g, Sugar: 10-12g, Sodium: 800-900mg) Remember, moderation is key, even with the Best Baked Ziti .

So, there you have it! My secret tips to creating the most delectable Baked Ziti . Have fun and enjoy every bite! This Baked Ziti Recipe is bound to be a family favorite! You can How to Make the Best Baked Ziti .