Prepare to delight your taste buds with our Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender ziti pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with layers of gooey, melted cheese. Each forkful offers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures, making it the perfect choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night at home.

Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you pull a bubbling casserole from the oven. The golden, cheesy top gives way to a creamy, savory interior that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. This Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & Satisfying: A filling dish that will keep everyone full and happy.
• Simple Preparation: Easy to make with straightforward steps, perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Cheesy Goodness: Layers of cheese create a deliciously creamy texture that everyone loves.
• Perfect for a Crowd: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead.

Ingredients List

To create the Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

For precise measurements and additional tips, please refer to the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Ziti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

2. Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, ricotta cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

5. Mix Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

6. Layer in Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Add Remaining Pasta: Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

9. Garnish and Enjoy: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Different Cheeses: Use a combination of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for a unique flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked ziti before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I serve with baked ziti?
Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Savor the rich, cheesy goodness of the Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe, a dish that promises to be a hit at any gathering. With its hearty layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, it’s a comforting meal that brings people together and warms the soul.

We’d love to hear how your Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite of your Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe!

Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe: Hearty & Delicious!

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• Author: abdo
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender ziti pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with layers of gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, ricotta cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until heated through.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Variations & Substitutions: - Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. - Different Cheeses: Use a combination of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for a unique flavor. - Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat. Storage & Reheating Instructions: - Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. - Freezing: Freeze before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. - Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

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