Baked Ziti Delight: A Comforting Recipe for Family Dinners

Baked Ziti Delight is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. As I prepare this classic Italian-American recipe, I can’t help but reminisce about family dinners filled with laughter and love. Baked ziti has a rich history, originating from the Southern Italian tradition of pasta al forno, where baked pasta dishes were often served during special occasions and family celebrations. This delightful dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a canvas for creativity, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients.

People adore Baked Ziti Delight for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a symphony of taste that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home, just as it has in mine!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Pasta

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked ziti cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top. 2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 3. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water, as we might need it later to adjust the sauce consistency.

Making the Meat Sauce

4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. 5. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. 6. Now, it’s time to add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary. 7. Once the meat is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine. 8. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

9. While the sauce is simmering, let’s prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. This will add a creamy layer to our baked ziti.

Assembling the Baked Ziti

10. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. 11. Now, it’s time to layer everything together. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly across the bottom. 12. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover as much surface area as possible. 13. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. 14. Pour the remaining pasta and meat sauce mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. 15. Finally, top the entire dish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust when baked.

Baking the Ziti

16. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. This will help to keep the moisture in while it bakes. 17. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through. 18. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. 19. Once done, remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.

Serving the Baked Ziti

20. To serve, cut the baked ziti into squares using a sharp knife. Use a spatula to lift the pieces out of the dish and onto plates. 21. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. 22.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Baked Ziti Delight is a must-try for anyone looking to impress family and friends with a comforting, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare. The combination of al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a versatile dish! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, swapping in different types of cheese, or even incorporating ground meat or sausage for an extra protein boost. I encourage you to give this Baked Ziti Delight a shot in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your version turned out and any creative twists you added. Happy cooking! Print

May 25, 2025 by Melissa