Nicole’s Best Baked Ziti: A Recipe for the Perfect Comfort Food
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish, beloved for its comforting layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and often, savory meat. It’s the perfect dish for a family dinner, potluck, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe, which I affectionately call “Nicole’s Best Baked Ziti,” is my go-to version, honed over years of tweaking and perfecting. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and while it requires a few steps, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for some serious cheesy goodness!
Why This Baked Ziti is the Best
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this baked ziti so special:
* **The Sauce:** The sauce is the heart of any good baked ziti. This recipe uses a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a rich and flavorful base. We’ll also use a generous amount of garlic, onions, and Italian herbs to create a truly unforgettable sauce.
* **The Cheese:** We’re not skimping on the cheese! This recipe features a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Each cheese plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. The ricotta adds a creamy richness, the mozzarella provides that iconic cheesy pull, and the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth.
* **Perfectly Cooked Pasta:** Overcooked pasta is the enemy of baked ziti. We’ll cook the ziti al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and texture during baking.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Nicole’s Best Baked Ziti:
**For the Sauce:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a combination)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
* 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional, for added flavor)
**For the Cheese Mixture:**
* 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**For the Pasta and Assembly:**
* 1 pound ziti pasta
* 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make Nicole’s Best Baked Ziti:
**Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. If using red wine, add it now.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will become. Stir in the fresh parsley during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
**Step 2: Cook the Pasta**
1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions, but subtract 1-2 minutes from the recommended cooking time. You want the pasta to be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
**Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
**Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with about half of the meat sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
4. Spread a thin layer of the remaining meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
7. Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese.
8. Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the mozzarella cheese.
9. Dollop the remaining ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta cheese.
**Step 5: Bake the Ziti**
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
4. Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the final product will be. Use good quality ground beef, Italian sausage, canned tomatoes, and cheese.
* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Al dente pasta is key to preventing a mushy baked ziti.
* **Simmer the sauce for a long time:** The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. If you have time, simmer it for an hour or two.
* **Don’t skip the resting period:** Letting the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice.
* **Customize it to your liking:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
Variations on Nicole’s Best Baked Ziti
* **Vegetarian Baked Ziti:** Omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and add more vegetables to the sauce. You can also use a vegetarian sausage substitute.
* **Chicken Baked Ziti:** Substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with cooked, shredded chicken.
* **Spicy Baked Ziti:** Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot Italian sausage.
* **White Sauce Baked Ziti:** Instead of a tomato-based sauce, use a creamy white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with:
* A side salad
* Garlic bread
* Roasted vegetables
* Meatballs
Make-Ahead Instructions
This baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the ziti is cold from the refrigerator.
Storage Instructions
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 600-800 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams
**Disclaimer:** *Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.*
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* **Can I use a different type of pasta?**
While ziti is the traditional pasta for baked ziti, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni.
* **Can I freeze baked ziti?**
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Can I add vegetables to the sauce?**
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your baked ziti. Sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
* **How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?**
To prevent the pasta from sticking, make sure to cook it al dente and drain it well. Toss it with a little bit of olive oil or sauce immediately after draining.
* **Can I use pre-shredded cheese?**
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese. For the best results, shred your own mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
* **Can I make this gluten-free?**
Yes, you can make this baked ziti gluten-free by using gluten-free ziti pasta. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Nicole’s Final Thoughts
Nicole’s Best Baked Ziti isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories around the table. The rich aroma filling the kitchen, the bubbly cheese, and the satisfied smiles – these are the ingredients of a truly special meal. Feel free to adapt this recipe to your family’s preferences, adding your own personal touch. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a celebratory gathering, this baked ziti is sure to be a hit. Enjoy! Happy cooking!