Ultimate Baked Ziti with Sunday Gravy
This Ultimate Baked Ziti recipe, inspired by the beloved Sopranos Family Cookbook, brings comfort food to a whole new level. Layered with rich, savory Sunday Gravy and hearty meatballs, this creamy and cheesy casserole is a showstopper at any gathering. Each bite reveals a delightful combination of flavors, from the tangy pasta sauce to the creamy ricotta and luscious mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or party feasts, this recipe serves 16 people, ensuring there's plenty to go around. Simply put, it's the best food in the world, deserving of every bit of praise you'll give it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
ziti pasta
1 lb (cooked)
salt
to taste (optional)
pasta sauce
as needed (use your favorite brand or homemade)
meatballs
to taste (Use [Sunday Gravy (Real Italian Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs)](https://www.food.com/recipe/sunday-gravy-real-italian-spaghetti-sauce-and-meatballs-73937))
Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
ricotta cheese
1 cup (or substitute with cottage cheese)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (cut into small pieces)
grated cheese
to sprinkle on top (as much as desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with 3 cups of the Sunday Gravy, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
3
Mix in half of the grated cheese, giving it another toss to incorporate evenly.
4
Spread half of the ziti mixture into a large casserole dish, forming an even layer.
5
Spoon the ricotta cheese over the first layer of ziti, spreading it gently for even coverage.
6
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and the remaining grated cheese over the ricotta, allowing it to melt deliciously as it bakes.
7
Pour 1 cup of Sunday Gravy evenly over the cheese layer, followed by the remaining ziti mixture on top.
8
Top with the remaining Sunday Gravy, which will almost overflow the dish. Don't worry, that's part of the magic!
9
Finish with an additional sprinkle of grated cheese on the very top for a decadent, golden crust.
10
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
11
Once baked, allow the dish to stand for 15 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully.
12
Serve with love and enjoy it to the last bite. Don’t forget to tell me how it was!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Baked Ziti with Sunday Gravy?
It is a rich, creamy, and cheesy Italian-inspired casserole layered with savory Sunday Gravy and meatballs, inspired by the Sopranos Family Cookbook.
How many servings does this baked ziti recipe provide?
This recipe serves 16 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved Sopranos Family Cookbook.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What type of pasta is required?
You need 1 lb of ziti pasta, which should be cooked before assembly.
How much Sunday Gravy is mixed with the pasta initially?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with 3 cups of the Sunday Gravy.
What cheeses are used in this dish?
The recipe uses Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese if preferred.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cut into small pieces.
What are the layering steps for the casserole?
Layer half the pasta, spoon ricotta over it, add mozzarella and grated cheese, pour 1 cup of gravy, add the remaining pasta, then top with more gravy and cheese.
How much grated cheese goes into the initial pasta mix?
Mix in half of the 1 cup of grated Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese with the pasta and gravy.
How long do you bake the ziti covered?
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
How long do you bake the ziti uncovered?
After the initial 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Why should the dish stand for 15 minutes after baking?
Allowing the dish to rest for 15 minutes lets the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
What is Sunday Gravy?
Sunday Gravy is a traditional Italian meat-based pasta sauce, often including meatballs.
Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
Yes, you can use your favorite brand or a homemade pasta sauce.
Is salt necessary for this recipe?
Salt is optional and can be added to taste.
What makes the top of the ziti decadent?
Finishing the dish with an additional sprinkle of grated cheese creates a golden, decadent crust.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal and a hearty casserole.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 60 minutes.
How do I prepare the mozzarella?
The 8 ounces of mozzarella should be cut into small pieces.
Should I worry if the gravy almost overflows the dish?
No, the recipe notes that the gravy nearly overflowing is part of the magic of the dish.
What kind of container should I use for baking?
A large casserole dish is recommended to accommodate the layers and gravy.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It combines tangy pasta sauce with creamy ricotta and luscious mozzarella.
Does this recipe include meat?
Yes, it includes hearty meatballs as part of the Sunday Gravy.
Can I use different types of grated cheese?
The recipe suggests freshly grated Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Is this recipe suitable for large crowds?
Yes, its 16-person serving size makes it perfect for feasts.
What preparation is needed for the pasta?
The ziti pasta should be pre-cooked before you begin layering the casserole.
What should I do with the remaining grated cheese?
The remaining grated cheese is used both in the middle layer and as a final topping.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
It is described as a comfort food classic within Italian cuisine.