There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm plate of baked ziti with meat sauce. It’s one of those hearty dishes that just feels like home, doesn’t it? I remember the first time I made it for friends—everyone gathered around the table, the rich aroma filling the air, and the smiles as they dug in. It’s popular for a reason! Layers of ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or even just a simple weeknight treat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it again and again!
Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best baked ziti with meat sauce! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ziti pasta – you can use regular or whole wheat, depending on your preference.
- 1 pound ground beef – I love using lean beef, but feel free to experiment with ground turkey for a lighter dish.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – choose your favorite brand, or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – the gooier, the better!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – this adds that creamy goodness that makes every bite special.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that extra cheesy topping, trust me, it’s worth it!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a must for that authentic Italian flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t skimp on seasoning; it really brings the dish to life!
Once you’ve got these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to whip up a delicious baked ziti that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Prepare Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this mouthwatering baked ziti with meat sauce! Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your ziti bakes to perfection! While that’s heating up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente. You don’t want it too soft since it’ll bake again later! Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool a bit.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Once you’ve got that delicious beefy goodness, drain any excess fat. This step is crucial; we want the meat sauce to be rich but not greasy!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the browned ground beef, the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly—this helps each noodle get coated in that rich, meaty sauce. You want every bite to be packed with flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Transfer the ziti mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Just imagine that melty cheese and the aroma filling your kitchen! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this will make it easier to scoop out those generous portions!
Tips for Success with Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
To make your baked ziti with meat sauce truly unforgettable, here are a few tips that I swear by!
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Remember, it’ll bake again, so aim for al dente. This keeps the ziti from getting mushy.
- Layer it well: For even flavor distribution, mix the ingredients thoroughly, but also consider layering the ziti and sauces in the baking dish.
- Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for a different flavor twist—cheese lovers will rejoice!
- Add a touch of spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add sautéed jalapeños to the meat sauce.
- Let it rest: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely for serving.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a ziti that gets rave reviews every time!
Variations of Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
If you want to mix things up a bit with your baked ziti with meat sauce, I’ve got some delicious variations to try! For a lighter take, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken—still hearty but a bit leaner. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for an extra dose of nutrition and flavor. You can also play around with different cheese combinations; try adding ricotta or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy twist. And for those who love a kick, add some Italian sausage or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Nutritional Information for Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
When it comes to comfort food, baked ziti with meat sauce is not only delicious but can also be part of a balanced meal! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 6g)
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
FAQ About Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about baked ziti with meat sauce is that it can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to take it out about 30 minutes before you pop it in the oven, so it can come to room temperature. Once baked, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through!
What can I serve with baked ziti?
When it comes to sides, there are plenty of delicious options that pair perfectly with baked ziti. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always a hit, balancing the richness of the dish. Garlic bread is another classic choice—who can resist that buttery, garlicky goodness? You might also consider serving some roasted vegetables or a simple caprese salad for that extra touch of freshness. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal!
Can I freeze baked ziti?
You bet! Freezing baked ziti is a fantastic way to save some for later. Just make sure to let it cool completely after baking, then slice it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store them in freezer-safe containers. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s bubbly again. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
- It’s a comforting, hearty dish that warms the soul.
- Simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with rich flavors from the meat sauce and melted cheese.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients and spices!
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce: 7 Comforting Layers to Savor
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
Baked ziti with meat sauce is a hearty pasta dish that combines ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite meat sauce recipe.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: baked ziti, meat sauce, pasta dish, Italian cuisine
