Are you looking for a comforting and hearty Italian dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests? Look no further than Mueller’s Baked Ziti Recipe!
This classic Italian-American dish combines ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and savory ground beef, resulting in a mouthwatering baked casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Mueller’s Baked Ziti Recipe
Recipe Overview:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Calories: 480 calories per serving.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Cook The Ziti
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown The Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Combine The Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, browned ground beef, marinara sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella, all of the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Layer The Casserole
Transfer half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Then, add the remaining ziti mixture to create a second layer.
Bake To Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Serve And Enjoy
Once baked, let the ziti sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot, and watch it disappear!
Conclusion
Mueller’s Baked Ziti Recipe is a delightful Italian-American classic that brings comfort and flavor to your table.
It’s ideal for dinners with the family or get-togethers with friends thanks to its layers of spaghetti, flavorful meat sauce, and cheesy delight.
To enjoy the deliciousness that this baked ziti provides to your lunchtime, try it today! Make it your own by adding your own ingredients or modifying it in any way you choose.
Good appetite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s The Difference Between Baked Ziti And Lasagna?
Baked ziti uses ziti pasta, while lasagna uses flat sheets. Ziti is mixed with sauce, while lasagna is layered.
Is Baked Ziti The Same As Pasta Bake?
Baked ziti is a type of pasta bake, but pasta bake covers a broader range of pasta dishes.
Is Baked Ziti Easier Than Lasagna?
Yes, Baked Ziti Is Generally Easier And Quicker To Make Than Lasagna Due To Simpler Layering And Shorter Prep Time.
Mueller’s Baked Ziti Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Delight
Ingredients
- 1 pound 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24- ounce jar of marinara sauce or homemade if preferred
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Cook The Ziti
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown The Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Combine The Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, browned ground beef, marinara sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella, all of the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Layer The Casserole
- Transfer half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Then, add the remaining ziti mixture to create a second layer.
Bake To Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
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