What makes a classic baked ziti truly unforgettable? The rich flavor of homemade meat sauce and tender ziti pasta, of course. This easy weeknight dinner is a family favorite, loaded with ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese. Save this idea for a quick and satisfying meal to enjoy any night of the week.

baked ziti with meat sauce on a plate

Introduction

Baked ziti with meat sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that never fails to impress. It’s a masterclass in comfort food, combining the richness of a hearty meat sauce with the satisfying crunch of baked pasta. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when everyday ingredients come together in a creative and delicious way.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist, and the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, requiring only a few simple steps and minimal cooking time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, baked ziti with meat sauce is a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Key Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including ziti pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. You can also customize the dish to your taste with additional ingredients like ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Some practical substitutions include using ground turkey or pork instead of beef, or adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, add a can of crushed tomatoes, a tablespoon of tomato paste, and a sprinkle of dried basil and oregano. Stir the sauce to combine, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the meat sauce, and a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and cheese.
4. Step 4: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top it with an additional cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Handy Tips

• To avoid overcooking the pasta, be sure to check it frequently while it’s cooking and drain it as soon as it’s al dente.
• If you’re using a store-bought tomato sauce, consider adding a few fresh ingredients like garlic or basil to give it a homemade flavor.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe and add your own favorite ingredients or spices to make it your own.

Heat Control

When cooking the meat sauce, it’s essential to maintain a low heat to prevent the sauce from burning or sticking to the pan. Ideally, you want to keep the sauce at a simmer, which is around 180-190°F (82-88°C). You can check the temperature of the sauce by using a thermometer, or you can simply observe the sauce and adjust the heat as needed. As for the baked ziti, you want to cook it until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take around 25-40 minutes in a 350°F (180°C) oven.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the baked mozzarella cheese on top of the ziti pasta. To achieve a perfectly crunchy top, be sure to remove the foil from the baking dish for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time. This will allow the cheese to brown and crisp up, adding a satisfying texture to the dish. You can also try adding some crunchy ingredients like breadcrumbs or chopped nuts to the top of the ziti before baking for extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the ziti pasta from sticking together, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the pasta after it’s been cooked and drained.
• If you’re short on time, consider making the meat sauce ahead of time and storing it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to assemble the baked ziti.
• To add some extra flavor to the dish, try using a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheese instead of just mozzarella.

Storage Tips

• To store leftover baked ziti, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
• When reheating the baked ziti, be sure to cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s hot and bubbly.
• Consider using a vacuum sealer or freezer bags to store the baked ziti in the freezer, as this will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give baked ziti as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative casserole dish or a microwave-safe container. You can add some festive touches like a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves on top of the ziti. Alternatively, you can package the ingredients separately and give them as a gift basket, complete with a recipe card and some cooking instructions.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding some different spices to the meat sauce, such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, to give it a unique flavor.
• Consider using different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone, to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• If you want to add some extra protein to the dish, try adding some cooked sausage or bacon to the meat sauce.

Troubleshooting

• If the ziti pasta is overcooked, try adding some extra sauce or cheese to the dish to mask the texture.
• If the meat sauce is too thick, try adding a little bit of water or tomato juice to thin it out.
• If the cheese is not melting properly, try covering the dish with foil or increasing the oven temperature to help it melt.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the baked ziti for up to 2 months. Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat in the ziti pasta. However, you can try using gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Baked ziti with meat sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and satisfying crunch, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own – and don’t forget to share your tips and variations with us in the comments below!