Baked Ziti Bliss the Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Baked Ziti Bliss

Fancy some proper comfort food? This baked ziti recipe will knock your socks off. Trust me, this classic baked ziti recipe is proper lush.

It's basically happiness in a dish. I remember my nan making this. Good times!

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to make baked ziti that tastes like it came straight from Nonna's kitchen? This is it. It's cheesy, saucy, and packed with Italian sausage.

This is the best baked ziti recipe ever. It's also perfect for easy 2 person meals .

Brief Overview

Baked ziti hails from southern Italy and is total comfort food. It involves ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and mozzarella.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. It serves 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

It's packed with protein and calcium. Bake Ziti With Italian Sausage and serve it at your next family gathering. What makes this special? It's hearty, satisfying, and homemade baked ziti tastes way better than shop bought.

The Star Players: Ingredients for Your Ziti Casserole Baked

Right, let's gather our bits and bobs for this quick baked ziti recipe . We need: olive oil, onion, garlic, Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Don't forget the ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan, parsley, and mozzarella. Using good quality ingredients makes all the difference.

step-by-step: Getting Down to Business

First, we'll brown the sausage in a pan. Then, sauté the onion and garlic in the same pan. Next, we'll add the tomatoes, herbs, and spices.

Let it simmer for a while, trust me, it's worth it. While that's bubbling away, cook your ziti. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, parmesan, and parsley.

Assembling Your Masterpiece

Time to construct our Ziti Casserole Baked . Combine the cooked ziti with the sauce. Now, layer it all in a baking dish: pasta, ricotta mixture, more pasta, and finally, loads of mozzarella.

Then, bake it at 375° F ( 190° C) for about 25- 30 minutes.

Simple baked ziti recipe : Tips & Tricks

Don't overcook the pasta. Using high-quality tomatoes and cheese makes a huge difference. Also, let the sauce simmer a bit longer.

Allow the casserole to rest when it's done baking. This will help it hold its shape. This Baked Ziti With Cream Cheese is pure heaven.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Make a veggie version by adding mushrooms and peppers. Fancy some heat? Add extra chilli flakes.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone for a sharper flavour. You can even try Baked ziti with meat sauce

Alright, let’s dive into what you need! Seriously, this baked ziti recipe is the real deal. You could order takeout, but how to make baked ziti is way more satisfying, trust me.

Plus, it’s perfect for those easy 2 person meals that still feel special. I once tried making this for a potluck, and it was GONE in minutes! Everyone raved about it!

Gear Up: Your Ziti Arsenal

You don't need fancy stuff, honestly. Just the basics to whip up this ziti casserole baked to perfection.

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

Here's what you need to gather. Accuracy is key!

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (about 1 cup )
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons )
• Italian sausage: 1 pound (450g) , casing removed. (Go mild or hot!)
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can (794g) . Look for good quality!
• Tomato sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can (425g)
• Tomato paste: 1 (6-ounce) can (170g)
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon
• Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick)
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Ziti pasta: 1 pound (450g) .
• Ricotta cheese: 15 ounces (425g) (Whole milk is best!)
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup , grated
• Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped
• Mozzarella cheese: 3 cups (340g) , shredded.

Seasoning: The Secret Sauce

Don't skimp here. These flavors make this baked ziti with meat sauce sing.

• Oregano and basil are a classic combo. Don't be afraid to add a pinch more if you like.
• Red pepper flakes gives it a nice bite, but skip it if you are spice sensitive
• Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste. I use freshly ground black pepper.

For a quick baked ziti recipe , you can use pre-made sauce. But, honestly, homemade is so much better! It's a total game changer, and worth the extra effort.

Tools of the Trade: Essential Equipment

Keep it simple, folks!

• Big pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Large skillet: For the sauce. A Dutch oven is even better!
• 9x13 inch baking dish (23 x 33cm) : The star of the show. I love my glass one.
• Mixing bowls: You'll need at least 2.

Honestly, that's it! Nothing crazy. Now you're set to create the best baked ziti recipe ever! Or, at least, a pretty darn good homemade baked ziti .

Cooking Method: Baked Ziti Bliss

Want to know how to make baked ziti that's a total crowd pleaser? This recipe is your ticket to pasta heaven.

Seriously, a good baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food. Even better? It’s easier than you think! We'll explore a Quick Baked Ziti Recipe .

Prep Steps: Setting the Stage

First things first, let's get organised. This is our mise en place , yeah? Get your ingredients measured and chopped.

Having everything ready means less stress when you start cooking. It will also make this process a real Simple baked ziti recipe .

This will allow you to prepare some easy 2 person meals . Essential mise en place is key to speed and ease.

Time saving organization tips: Chop veggies and measure spices ahead. Safety reminders (if applicable): Handle hot pans with care.

step-by-step: From Pasta to Perfection

Alright, let's dive in!

1. Brown the sausage in olive oil. Get it nice and crispy. Set aside. Remember to drain the fat!
2. Sauté onion and garlic in that leftover sausage fat. Yum. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 20 minutes .
4. Cook the ziti until al dente . You want a little bite. Drain well.
5. Mix ricotta, egg, parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Don't overmix!
6. Toss ziti with sauce and half the mozzarella.
7. Layer half the pasta in a baking dish. Add ricotta mixture. Top with remaining pasta.
8. Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ziti Game

Want to make the best baked ziti recipe ? Here’s the secret. Firstly, the quality of tomatoes matters. Secondly, let the sauce simmer for a while.

This helps the flavors meld. For a Baked Ziti With Italian Sausage , you can use mild or spicy sausage.

Pro Technique, Use good quality ingredients If possible choose Homemade baked ziti for the best taste. Don’t overcook the pasta : Al dente is the way to go.

You know what? My Nonna used to add a splash of red wine to her sauce. Oh my gosh, it was divine! Don't get me started.

Now you have a classic baked ziti recipe . Enjoy your homemade ziti casserole baked! You can even add cream cheese if you want. No one is judging!

Recipe Notes That'll Make You A Ziti Star

So you want to know how to make baked ziti , eh? Honestly, it's easier than mastering a British bake off challenge.

But before you dive in, let’s chat about some important bits and bobs. These are the things I wish I knew the first time I tried making this, back in my uni days.

Let me spill the tea on some serving suggestions, storage tips, variations and basic nutritional info.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!

Okay, so you've got this beautiful ziti casserole baked . How do you make it look fancy ? Picture this: a generous square, topped with a sprig of fresh basil.

You could serve it with a side of garlic bread. I'm talking proper crusty baguette action. Or maybe a crisp green salad.

A simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Oh, and a glass of red wine never hurts either. Trust me on this! It makes it a perfect easy 2 person meal when you scale down the recipe.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Going

Got leftovers? First of all, congrats on having that kind of restraint! This quick baked ziti recipe is pretty addictive.

You can pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.

For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Microwaving also works in a pinch, but it can affect the texture.

Variations: Your Ziti, Your Rules

Feel free to experiment with this. Wanna make it veggie? Swap the sausage for mushrooms, peppers, and courgette. You can use it even when you bake ziti with Italian sausage .

Want a bit of a kick? Add a pinch more of those red pepper flakes. For a simple baked ziti recipe , skip the meat altogether.

You know, it's all good. If you are going for a homemade baked ziti , try swapping the dried herbs for fresh parsley and basil.

It really elevates the flavour. For the cheese swap, cream cheese? If you want to try baked ziti with cream cheese be my guest, but it's not my go to.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body and Soul

Alright, so this isn't exactly a health food. But it's delicious and comforting. A serving packs a decent amount of protein, thanks to the cheese and sausage.

But also carbs, so portion control is key. If you're watching your weight, you could use leaner sausage. Maybe go for part skim ricotta.

Or even add some veggies to boost the fiber content. I found a classic baked ziti recipe , so I'm sure it won't be hard to make it the best baked ziti recipe for you and your family!

Honestly, whether you are making baked ziti with meat sauce or a plant based version, it's all about having fun in the kitchen.

Don't be afraid to make a mess! Enjoy the process, and let the flavours speak for themselves. Now, go forth and bake!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party, you see!

Absolutely! You can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like a culinary Tardis - ready when you are!

How to make baked ziti vegetarian? I’m trying to cut down on meat.

Making a vegetarian version is a doddle! Simply omit the sausage and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the tomato sauce. You can also use a vegetarian sausage substitute if you still want that meaty texture. Think of it as a veggie patch in every bite!

Can I freeze baked ziti? Leftovers are inevitable in my household!

Yes, baked ziti freezes beautifully! Bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until bubbly and heated through. Easy peasy!

My tomato sauce always seems bland. Any tips for making it more flavorful when I learn how to make baked ziti?

Absolutely! The key to a fantastic tomato sauce is patience and quality ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Also, don't skimp on the herbs and spices, and a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Think of it like brewing a great cup of tea it needs time to steep and develop its full potential!

Is there a good substitute for ricotta cheese? I can’t find it at my local shop.

If you can't find ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, but make sure to drain it well first to remove excess moisture. It won’t be quite the same creamy texture as ricotta, but it will still add a nice cheesy element to the baked ziti.

It's like swapping scones for crumpets similar, but with a slight twist!