Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

8 servings
Delicious, Creamy, Flavorful Baked Ziti

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat

    beef, or turkey

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage

    I like to mix sweet and hot

  • 1 small red pepper

    diced small

  • 1 small green pepper

    diced small

  • 1 small yellow onion

    diced small

  • 8 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 1 25oz jar of pasta sauce

    any brand we will do! We will hook it up!

  • 1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsps salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsps garlic powder
  • 1 tsps onion powder
  • 2 tsps italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsps sugar
  • 2 tbsps basil

    chopped

  • 1 box ziti pasta
  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 tsps salt
  • 1 tsps black pepper
  • 2 tsps garlic powder
  • 2 tbsps chopped basil
  • 3 cups mozarella cheese

    shredded and divided

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. 2

    Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage and ground beef until browned and cooked through. Add diced onions, peppers, and garlic.

  4. 4

    After browning and cooking the meat, add crushed tomatoes, pasta sauce, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, basil, spices and sugar. Stir everything to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Taste your sauce. If needed, add additional salt.

  5. 5

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of your shredded mozzarella cheese, and spices. Mix well. Spoon 3-4 spoonfuls of meat sauce into the mixture and stir. Your ziti mixture should be creamy and fully coated. Make sure to leave pasta sauce for layering.

  6. 6

    Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish.

  7. 7

    Add half of the ziti mixture to the dish on top of the meat sauce. Spread it out evenly. Add a thin layer of cheese on top.

  8. 8

    Spoon another layer of meat sauce on top of the ziti mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover the ziti and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Broil at the end uncovered for a golden cheese top finish. Be careful not to burn!

  9. 9

    Remove from the oven and let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

5.0(59)8 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 59 ratings

tonisrecipes.com
5.0(59 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food that's both deeply satisfying and incredibly flavorful? This Baked Ziti recipe delivers a truly delicious, creamy, and robust Italian-American classic, perfect for any family meal. You'll love how this dish brings warmth and hearty goodness to your table.

What makes this baked ziti stand out is its commitment to layered flavor and luscious texture. You'll find a rich meat sauce built on a foundation of both savory ground meat and spicy-sweet Italian sausage, complemented by finely diced bell peppers and aromatic garlic and onion. The secret to its undeniable creaminess lies in the harmonious blend of a robust tomato sauce, a touch of heavy cream, and a generous trio of cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, ensuring every forkful is pure comfort.

Prepare for a hearty, comforting dish where every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. You'll experience the rich, slow-simmered taste of a meaty tomato sauce, infused with Italian herbs and a hint of sweetness, clinging to perfectly cooked ziti pasta. Generous layers of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan create a delightful contrast, offering a bubbly, cheesy crust and a tender, yielding interior. This is a substantial, satisfying dish designed to bring warmth to your table.

Customization & Variations: Feel free to adjust the meat blend to your liking; you can use all ground beef, all ground turkey, or stick with the flavorful combination of ground meat and Italian sausage. If you enjoy a bit of heat, opt for hot Italian sausage, or balance it with sweet Italian sausage as suggested by the recipe.

Serving & Context: Baked Ziti is the quintessential dish for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion calling for comforting, crowd-pleasing fare. Serve it alongside a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete and utterly satisfying meal that will leave everyone happy.

Frequently Asked Questions