Savory Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight
Indulge in this Savory Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight, the ultimate comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with family and friends. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender ziti pasta enveloped in a rich and flavorful meat sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection. It's a hearty dish that brings everyone together around the table, and it’s simple enough for even novice cooks to master. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
6
Servings
533
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Spaghetti sauce
26 oz jar (ready to use)
Chicken broth
1 cup (liquid)
Ground beef
1 lb (raw)
Italian seasoning
1 tsp (dry)
Garlic powder
1/2 tsp (dry)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
3
Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine.
4
Add the spaghetti sauce and chicken broth to the skillet with the beef. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer while you prepare the pasta.
5
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
6
Mix one cup of the sauce into the drained pasta, ensuring the noodles are well coated.
7
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom.
8
Layer half of the pasta over the sauce, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
9
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: sauce, pasta, and cheese.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Allow the baked ziti to sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
50g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight?
It is a comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring ziti noodles, a rich meat sauce made with ground beef and spaghetti sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this baked ziti recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How long does it take to cook the entire meal?
The recipe is categorized as taking less than 60 minutes to prepare and cook.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked ziti pasta.
Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef?
Yes, while the recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef, you could substitute it with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative.
What seasonings are added to the meat sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Why is chicken broth included in the recipe?
Adding 1 cup of chicken broth to the sauce adds extra flavor and helps keep the pasta moist during the baking process.
How should I cook the ziti pasta before baking?
You should cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it is al dente, following the package instructions, then drain it.
What size baking dish is required?
A standard 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much cheese is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How should the layers be organized in the baking dish?
Spread some sauce on the bottom, then layer half of the pasta, half of the mozzarella, and repeat with the remaining sauce, pasta, and cheese.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
How long should the dish bake without foil?
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this baked ziti?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
There are 27 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 50 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the description notes it is simple enough for novice cooks to master.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Should I let the dish sit before serving?
Yes, allowing the baked ziti to sit for a few minutes helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one 26 oz jar of ready-to-use spaghetti sauce.
How do I prevent the pasta from being too soft?
Cook the pasta only until it is 'al dente' before baking so it maintains its texture during the oven cooking time.
How many different ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 main ingredients.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it combines protein, pasta, and sauce in a single baking dish.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as 'Comfort Food' and 'Italian' cuisine.
Can I prepare the meat sauce in advance?
Yes, the meat sauce can be browned and simmered ahead of time to save time during final assembly.
What should I do after browning the ground beef?
You should drain the excess grease from the skillet before adding seasonings and sauce.
Is there a specific way to mix the sauce and pasta?
The instructions suggest mixing one cup of the meat sauce into the drained pasta to ensure the noodles are well coated before layering.
How can I tell when the ziti is finished baking?
The dish is done when the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbly.