Introduction
Transforming simple ingredients into a comforting, cheesy masterpiece is easier than you think! This Three Cheese Baked Ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Get ready for a taste of pure cheesy, pasta heaven!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s unbelievably easy, uses pantry staples, and delivers HUGE flavor. The combination of three cheeses creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the ziti, while the baking process adds a delightful golden-brown crust. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Key Ingredients
- 🍝 1 pound ziti pasta
- 🧀 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🍅 2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, oregano, basil, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined.
4️⃣ Assemble the Ziti: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers with remaining marinara sauce, ziti, and cheese mixture.
5️⃣ Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil before adding it to the cheese mixture.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente pasta is key for a great texture.
Heat Control
Baking at 375°F (190°C) ensures the ziti is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly without burning. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Crunch Factor
While this ziti is primarily creamy and cheesy, you can add a little crunch by sprinkling some bread crumbs on top before baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor combination! Try adding some provolone or Romano cheese.
- For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- To save time, use pre-shredded cheeses.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This ziti makes a wonderful gift! Bake it in an attractive disposable aluminum pan, cover it with foil, and tie a festive ribbon around it.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Ziti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or marinara sauce.
🌟 Veggie Ziti: Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the layers.
🌟 Meat Lovers Ziti: Incorporate cooked sausage, meatballs, or ground beef into the layers.
🌟 Spinach and Artichoke Ziti: Stir in a can of drained artichoke hearts and a bag of fresh spinach to the cheese mixture.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Ziti: If your ziti is too dry, add a little extra marinara sauce or a splash of milk to the cheese mixture.
- Burnt Ziti: If the top is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Soggy Ziti: If your ziti is too soggy, make sure to drain the pasta well and let it cool slightly before adding it to the baking dish.
FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the ziti up to a day ahead and bake when ready.
- Can I freeze this? Yes, you can freeze this dish before or after baking. Let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat frozen ziti, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave.
- What kind of marinara sauce should I use? Use your favorite marinara sauce!
Conclusion
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and share your experience with us! We can’t wait to hear how much your family loves it!
Cheesy Ziti Family Bake
A comforting and delicious baked ziti dish loaded with cheese and hearty meat sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190u00b0C (375u00b0F).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for different flavors.