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A hearty and comforting Italian-American classic. Layers of ziti pasta, a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese are baked together until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
For 8 servings
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt, then the ziti. Cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. The pasta should be firm as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the meat and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, 1.5 tsp salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
In a medium bowl, prepare the ricotta mixture. Combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the lightly beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the casserole. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked ziti with about 3 cups of the meat sauce, coating the pasta well. Spread 1 cup of the remaining meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture over the sauce. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
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A hearty and comforting Italian-American classic. Layers of ziti pasta, a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese are baked together until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
This italian_american recipe takes 95 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 846.51 calories per serving with 51.4g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for the layers to set. Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving.
Omit the ground beef and sausage. Sauté 1 lb of sliced mushrooms, 1 chopped zucchini, and 1 chopped bell pepper in olive oil and use in place of the meat.
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, and increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or to your taste.
Add 1 cup of shredded provolone cheese to the mozzarella topping for an even richer, cheesier flavor.
The combination of ground beef, sausage, and three types of cheese provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
With generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is rich in calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
The ziti pasta offers complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing sustained energy to power you through your day.
A typical serving of this baked ziti contains approximately 750-800 calories, primarily from the pasta, meat, and cheeses. It's a rich and satisfying comfort food.
Baked Ziti is a calorie-dense dish high in carbohydrates, protein, and fat. While delicious, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta, leaner ground turkey, and reduce the amount of cheese.
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time since it will be cold.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Yes, baked ziti freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze the entire casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.