If you're looking for a hearty, comforting meal that's easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, look no further than baked ziti. This classic Italian dish is a favorite for a reason – it's delicious, filling, and versatile. Whether you're making baked ziti for a family dinner or a potluck, we've got you covered with this easy recipe.
Ingredients Needed to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
Before we get started with the recipe, let's go over the ingredients you'll need to make baked ziti:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Make sure to have all of these ingredients on hand before you start cooking.
For the Marinade Baked Ziti Recipe
There's no marinade needed for baked ziti, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process faster. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions and set it aside. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then drain the fat. Add the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Baked Ziti Recipe
Here are the kitchen tools you'll need to make baked ziti:
- A large pot for boiling the pasta
- A colander for draining the pasta
- A large skillet for cooking the ground beef and sauce
- A 9x13 inch baking dish for assembling and baking the ziti
Make sure to have all of these tools clean and ready to use before you start cooking.
How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
Now that you have all of your ingredients and tools ready to go, let's get cooking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain the fat.
- Add the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, water, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the sauce mixture for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the ziti mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
That's it – your delicious baked ziti is ready to serve!
How to Cook Baked Ziti Recipe
If you're wondering how to cook baked ziti, it's actually quite simple. Just follow the steps outlined in the recipe above and you'll have a delicious, cheesy baked ziti dish in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe. Penne or rigatoni would work well.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer.
3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure it's heated through.
5. Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?
Yes, you can freeze leftover baked ziti. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce mixture if you like.
7. Can I make this recipe without meat?
Yes, you can leave out the ground beef if you prefer. Just add some extra vegetables or use a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like for this recipe. Try using a blend of Italian cheeses or using cheddar cheese for a twist.
9. Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can use homemade spaghetti sauce if you prefer. Just use about 24 ounces of sauce.
10. Can I add more spices?
Yes, you can adjust the spices to your liking. Add more garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes if you like a spicier dish.
11. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes if you prefer. Just use about 15 ounces of tomato sauce.
12. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead of ground beef if you prefer.
13. Can I add more cheese?
Yes, feel free to add more cheese if you like a really cheesy baked ziti. Just keep in mind that it may take longer to melt and brown in the oven.
14. Can I use a different type of pasta sauce?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta sauce you like for this recipe. Try using a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick.
15. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned if you prefer. Just chop them up and add them to the sauce mixture.
16. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and adjust the baking time as needed.
17. Can I use vegan cheese?
Yes, you can use vegan cheese if you prefer. Just make sure it's a type that melts well.
18. Can I add meatballs to this recipe?
Yes, you can add meatballs to the sauce mixture if you like. Just make sure they're cooked through before you add them.
19. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce if you like. It will add extra flavor and depth.
20. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder if you prefer. Use about three cloves of garlic.
With these frequently asked questions, you should have all the information you need to make delicious baked ziti at home.