Hearty Baked Ziti Casserole Recipe
Whenever I’m planning an Italian night at home, this Baked Ziti Casserole is one of the dishes that is often included on the menu. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an event. I love getting into the spirit of Italian night, with music playing in the background and everyone in the kitchen pitching in. The aroma of the sauce simmering on the stove, the laughter, and the anticipation of enjoying a comforting meal together makes this dish truly special. Making cooking fun can change the attitude of those that find cooking a chore. The more wholesome foods we eat and the time spend together prepping food goes a long way in being one of life's little joys. Here’s how I prepare this delicious casserole, along with some personal tips I’ve picked up along the way.
Did You Know?
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that combines pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, all baked to perfection. This casserole is a family favorite because of its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. The name "ziti" comes from the Italian word for "bride" and is traditionally served at weddings in Italy. This dish is versatile and can be customized with various meats, vegetables, and cheeses. The bubbly, golden cheese topping adds a delicious texture to the hearty pasta and sauce mixture. Visually, baked ziti is appealing with its rich red sauce and melted cheese, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Pasta:
Personal Tip: I like to cook the pasta just until al dente because it continues to cook in the oven. This way, it won’t get too soft and mushy in the casserole.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Meat:
Personal Tip: When cooking the meat, I always make sure to drain any excess fat after browning. This keeps the sauce from getting greasy and ensures a richer, more flavorful casserole.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare the Sauce:
Personal Tip: I like to let the sauce simmer a little longer if I have time—it really helps the flavors meld together. Sometimes I’ll even add a splash of red wine for extra depth.
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Casserole:
Personal Tip: Layering the cheese between the pasta layers gives every bite a gooey, cheesy goodness. I always make sure to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for that perfect golden crust.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta and meat sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan over the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
Bake the Casserole:
Personal Tip: I like to bake the casserole until the cheese is just starting to brown and bubble. It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it cool for a few minutes makes it easier to serve and enhances the flavors.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Serve:
Personal Tip: Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. I love serving this casserole with garlic bread and a simple salad—it’s the perfect Italian night feast!
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serve immediately with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories, 500 | Fat, 25g | Saturated Fat, 12g | Carbohydrates, 45g | Fiber, 4g | Sugars, 8g | Protein, 25g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Bulk Buying: Purchase pasta, ground beef, and cheese in bulk. These ingredients are versatile and can be used in various recipes, reducing the cost per unit and saving you money in the long run. Store pasta in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- Homemade Marinara Sauce: If store-bought marinara sauce is expensive or contains unwanted additives, consider making your own using tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. This can be more cost-effective and allows you to control the flavor and ingredients. Make a large batch and store in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
- Reusable Baking Tools: Invest in reusable baking dishes and silicone mats. These tools are not only environmentally friendly but also save money over time compared to disposable options. They also make cleanup easier and more efficient.
- Energy Efficiency: Cook large batches of ground beef and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. This saves on energy costs and makes meal prep more efficient. You can use the cooked beef in various dishes throughout the week, including tacos, soups, and casseroles.
- Smart Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days, providing a convenient and delicious meal throughout the week. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If certain ingredients are unavailable or too expensive, consider substituting them with more affordable alternatives. For example, use ground turkey instead of beef, or substitute the mozzarella with cheddar or another cheese.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with adding different flavors to your casserole, such as a splash of red wine or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, to add a unique twist to your dish. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor and add a touch of freshness.
- DIY Cheese: If cheese is expensive, consider making your own plant-based cheese using cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. This can be more cost-effective and allows you to control the flavor and texture. Store homemade cheese in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
- Learning and Sharing: Join online cooking communities for more recipe ideas and tips. Sharing your own experiences can also help others and foster a sense of community. You can exchange recipes, cooking techniques, and meal prep tips with other home cooks, making the culinary journey more enjoyable and enriching.
- Creative Presentations: Enhance the visual appeal of your casserole by garnishing with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of grated cheese. These additions not only add flavor but also make the dish more appealing and enjoyable to eat. Serving the casserole with colorful side dishes like a simple salad or roasted vegetables can also elevate the presentation.
Let’s Learn About Different Pasta Shapes
Pasta comes in a variety of shapes, each offering a unique texture and ability to hold sauces. Here's a quick overview of some common shapes:
Ziti: This smooth, tubular pasta is perfect for baked dishes like baked ziti. Its sturdy shape holds up well to thick sauces and cheese, making it ideal for casseroles.
Spaghetti: Thin, long strands are great for light sauces, such as marinara or garlic-based sauces, allowing for even coating.
Penne: Penne is tubular with diagonal ends and ridges that help grab hearty sauces, like ragù or alfredo.
Fusilli: The corkscrew shape traps thicker sauces, making it a great choice for pesto or chunky tomato dishes.
Farfalle: Known as bow-tie pasta, it works well with cream-based sauces and in salads due to its broad surface.
Rigatoni: Larger, ridged tubes that are excellent for chunky, meat-based sauces and baked pasta dishes.
Orzo: Resembling rice, orzo is perfect for soups or salads and absorbs flavors quickly.
Linguine: A flat, long pasta, slightly wider than spaghetti, often paired with seafood and light, oil-based sauces.
Each pasta shape complements specific types of sauces, so choosing the right one enhances the overall dish!