Home>Recipe>Classic Baked Ziti Recipe – Home Pressure Cooking
Recipe
Classic Baked Ziti Recipe – Home Pressure Cooking
Published: April 1, 2024
This baked ziti recipe is my go-to comfort food. It's hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The perfect dish to share with family and friends. Trust me, you'll love it!
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Let's dive into one of my absolute favorites - classic baked ziti! Picture melting cheese, tender ziti, and a flavorful meat sauce coming together for a comforting family meal. It's shockingly easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress. Follow along, and let's start cooking!
Ingredients for Classic Baked Ziti
- Ziti pasta: Pasta provides the base for the dish, absorbing flavors and creating a hearty, comforting texture in each bite.
- Ground beef: Ground beef adds savory richness and protein, making the dish satisfying and flavorful.
- Onion: Onion adds depth and sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the baked ziti.
- Garlic: Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavor, complementing the other ingredients and adding a delicious complexity.
- Marinara sauce: Marinara sauce serves as the tomato-based foundation, providing a robust and tangy flavor to the baked ziti.
- Dried oregano: Dried oregano contributes earthy and herbaceous notes, enhancing the Italian flavors of the baked ziti.
- Dried basil: Dried basil adds a fresh and slightly sweet flavor, elevating the overall taste of the baked ziti.
- Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that adds richness and indulgence to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese brings a salty and nutty flavor, enhancing the cheesiness and depth of the baked ziti.
- Fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the dish and providing a vibrant finishing touch.
One interesting fact about this classic baked ziti recipe - home pressure cooking is that you can add a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and some fresh herbs between the ziti and the cheese topping for an extra creamy and flavorful twist!
Essential Tools for Making Baked Ziti at Home
- Large skillet: To brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic for the meat sauce.
- Baking dish: To assemble and bake the ziti pasta with the meat sauce and cheese for a complete dish.
Common Questions About This Baked Ziti Recipe
Serves: 6 people
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer half of the ziti mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining ziti mixture and cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional value:
Per Serving in Calories: 580 kcal | Carbohydrates: 57 g | Protein: 33 g | Total Fat: 25 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 85 mg | Sodium: 980 mg | Dietary Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 8 g | Calcium: 350 mg | Potassium: 480 mg | Iron: 4 mg | Vitamin A: 800 µg | Vitamin C: 10 mg
Can You Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the baked ziti as directed but do not bake.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake.
- Wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
