Hearty Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Hearty Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s cheesy, comforting, and a complete dinner winner — just what you want at the end of a hard day’s work. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was for a family gathering, and let me tell you, the compliments were flowing like the marinara sauce! My aunt even declared it “the best pasta dish ever,” and who doesn’t love a glowing endorsement like that?
So, what makes this recipe special? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly easy to make, and let’s not forget about the variations you can put on it! You can use ground beef or Italian sausage — there’s something about that savory meat combined with gooey cheese that makes my heart sing. And if you’re like me and enjoy cooking with a little personal flair, you can customize it to your heart’s content! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of baked ziti!
What’s in Hearty Baked Ziti?
– Ziti Pasta (400g / 14 oz): This tubular shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. If you can’t find ziti, penne works just as well!
– Ground Beef (500g / 1 lb) or Italian Sausage: I usually go for Italian sausage when I’m feeling adventurous; the spices add an extra kick!
– Onion (1, finely chopped): You can’t go wrong with onions; they add a lovely depth of flavor. Sweet onions are my favorite!
– Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic is the unsung hero in most dishes; its fragrant aroma makes everything better.
– Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 400g): The base for your sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are a fabulous option if you’re looking for something extra special.
– Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): This helps to concentrate the tomato flavor. A small but mighty ingredient!
– Dried Oregano (1 tsp) and Dried Basil (1 tsp): These dried herbs pack a punch and provide all the Italian vibes we crave.
– Salt (1/2 tsp) and Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.
– Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): This is the star of the show; it melts into gooey perfection.
– Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Add it on top for a little nutty flavor that will make you swoon!
– Olive Oil: A drizzle for sautéing the veggies.
– Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional): It’s like a little green confetti to brighten up your dish!
Is Hearty Baked Ziti Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health! This dish could be a delightful addition to your dinner table. The ground beef or Italian sausage provides a good source of protein, and combined with ziti pasta, you get those carbohydrates to keep your energy levels high. Plus, let’s not forget the aromatic garlic and onions; they’re fantastic for your immune system!
On the flip side, it’s good to consider that this recipe is fairly indulgent. Those luscious layers of cheese can pack a bit of a caloric punch, especially if you go heavy on the toppings. Moderation is key! Also, if you’re watching your carbs, you might want to swap the pasta for a vegetable alternative like zucchini noodles or whole grain options.
Ingredients List
– 400g (14 oz) ziti pasta
– 500g (1 lb) ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Olive oil for cooking
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Hearty Baked Ziti?
1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). This is an essential step, don’t skip it!
2. Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Breathe it in!
5. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Cheesy Tips and Savory Variations!
This dish is truly a canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are some extra tips to take it to another level:
– For those spice lovers (like my brother), you can add red pepper flakes for a nice kick.
– Looking to sneak in some veggies? Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach when sautéing the onion and garlic!
– If you’re prepping for a busy week, this baked ziti is perfect for making ahead of time. It keeps great in the fridge for a couple of days!
– Serve with a side salad and some crunchy garlic bread for the ultimate Italian feast.
So go ahead and whip this up! I promise it’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly, and you’ll want to dive right in. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking and let those cheesy dreams become reality!
