Introduction
Welcome to this easy ziti pasta bake recipe! If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe combines the simplicity of pasta with the heartiness of a baked dish, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this ziti pasta bake is a great option. The best part is, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste preferences. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Before we get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Once you gather everything you need, you’ll be well on your way to preparing a delicious ziti pasta bake that will have everyone asking for seconds.
So, grab your apron and let’s start cooking!
Ingredients
For this easy ziti pasta bake recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
Variations
This ziti pasta bake recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to get creative with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some variations you can try:
– Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
– Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra veggies.
– Mix in some ricotta cheese between the pasta layers for a creamy texture.
– Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or fontina.
– For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add some hot sauce to the meat sauce.
Tips
– To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the dish.
– Don’t overcook the pasta since it will continue to cook in the oven while baking.
– Let the ziti pasta bake rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
– Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences by adding or omitting ingredients as you see fit.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to make a scrumptious ziti pasta bake that is sure to become a favorite in your household. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress your guests.
By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make this ziti pasta bake your own.
So, the next time you’re craving a satisfying and filling meal, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other similar pasta shape.
Q: How long does this ziti pasta bake last in the refrigerator?
A: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the ziti pasta bake before baking or after it has been cooked. Just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this pasta bake?
A: This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Easy Ziti Pasta Bake Recipe
A delicious and comforting ziti pasta bake that combines the simplicity of pasta with the heartiness of a baked dish. This recipe is easy to customize and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
-
1 pound ziti pasta
-
1 jar marinara sauce
-
1 pound ground beef
-
1 small onion, chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, cook until softened.
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Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in the baking dish. Repeat the layers.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
