Oh, let me tell you about the cozy, heartwarming goodness that is baked ziti with meat sauce! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made it for my family—everyone gathered around the table, and as soon as that cheesy, bubbling goodness hit their plates, you could see the smiles spread across their faces. It’s rich, it’s hearty, and it’s bursting with flavor! The blend of tender ziti pasta, savory ground beef, and a zesty meat sauce topped with gooey mozzarella is just irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring everyone together, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Trust me, once you dive into this baked ziti, you’ll be hooked on its deliciousness!

Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked)
• 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or sausage for a twist)
• 1 onion, chopped (for that sweet, aromatic base)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce (the heart of the sauce)
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste (to thicken and deepen the flavor)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (for that classic Italian vibe)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (the gooey, melty star)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a savory, nutty finish)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season generously!)

How to Prepare Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Preheat and Cook Pasta

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab that ziti pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, that means boiling it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Make sure to give it a good stir while it’s cooking to prevent sticking! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. And hey, don’t rinse it! We want all that lovely starch to help the sauce cling later on.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

Now, let’s dive into that delicious meat sauce! In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. This is where the magic happens—cook until the beef is no longer pink and those onions are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Trust me, the aroma will have you dreaming of dinner! Once browned, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow those flavors to meld together beautifully. Mmm, can you smell that?

Combine Ingredients

Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with that luscious meat sauce. Give it a good stir until every piece of pasta is coated with sauce—this is key for flavor! If you want to add a little extra love, you can mix in half of the mozzarella cheese right now for an even cheesier experience. Yum!

Layer and Bake

Now, let’s get that ziti into a baking dish! Start by layering half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of the dish. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Repeat this process with the remaining pasta and finish with the rest of the cheese on top. This layering is so important; it ensures that every bite has that melty, cheesy goodness! Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is all bubbly and golden. Trust me, you’ll want to let it cool for a few minutes before serving—those cheesy layers need a moment to set!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation time—ready in just 45 minutes!
• Hearty and satisfying, perfect for feeding a crowd or a hungry family.
• Easy cleanup with just one baking dish to wash—who doesn’t love that?
• Great for meal prep; make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile—swap in your favorite ground meat or add veggies for a personal twist!
• Classic comfort food that brings everyone together around the table.
• Rich, savory flavors that get even better the next day—if there are any leftovers!

Tips for Success

Alright, friends, let’s talk about some tips to ensure your baked ziti with meat sauce turns out absolutely perfect every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make all the difference.

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Remember, you want that ziti to be al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta can get mushy, and nobody wants that!
• Taste as you go! When you’re making the meat sauce, don’t be shy about tasting it as it simmers. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Flavor is key!
• Experiment with cheeses! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classics, feel free to mix in some provolone or fontina for an extra melty texture. You can even sprinkle some goat cheese on top for a tangy twist!
• Add veggies for extra nutrition! If you want to sneak in some greens, consider adding spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic for a delicious addition!
• Let it rest! After baking, be patient and let your baked ziti cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving a breeze!
• Make it ahead! You can prepare this dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake—perfect for busy nights!

With these tips up your sleeve, you’ll become a baked ziti pro in no time! Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! While I love indulging in this hearty baked ziti with meat sauce, it’s good to know what we’re working with nutritionally. Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per serving (about 1 cup):

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 20g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But hey, it’s nice to enjoy a comforting dish without too much guilt, right? Just think of all that deliciousness packed into each bite! Enjoy your ziti, my friends!

FAQ Section

Can I make baked ziti with meat sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

What if I don’t have ziti pasta?
No worries at all! You can substitute ziti with other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds onto the sauce well, just like ziti does!

Can I freeze baked ziti with meat sauce?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

How do I reheat leftover baked ziti?
To reheat, simply cover it with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain that cheesy goodness without drying it out!

Can I add vegetables to my baked ziti?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s chat about how to keep that delicious baked ziti with meat sauce fresh and ready to enjoy again! If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens), here’s how to store them properly. Once your ziti has cooled down to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep it from drying out and maintain all those lovely flavors. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—perfect for quick meals throughout the week!

Now, if you’re looking to save some for later, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll be good in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, all you need to do is thaw it overnight in the fridge.

When it comes to reheating, the best method is to pop it back in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. This way, you’ll get that deliciously gooey cheese back to its melty state without drying out the pasta. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, just cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Enjoy every cheesy bite again, my friend!

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore It

---

• Autor: Julia marin
• Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
• Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
• Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu

Drukuj przepis

Zamocować przepis

Opis

A hearty baked ziti with rich meat sauce.

---

Składniki

Skala 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instrukcje

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta and meat sauce in a large bowl.
6. Layer half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then top with the remaining cheeses.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Uwagi

• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for ground beef.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

• Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
• Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
• Kategoria: Main Dish
• Sposób: Baking
• Kuchnia: Italian

Zasilanie

• Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
• Kalorie: 400
• Cukier: 5g
• Sód: 600mg
• Kwasy: 18g
• Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
• Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
• Tłuszcze trans: 0g
• Węglowodany: 45g
• Włókno: 3g
• Białko: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Słowa kluczowe: baked ziti, meat sauce, Italian pasta, comfort food