Heartwarming Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights

Baked ziti, a culinary symphony of comfort, dances with flavors that transport you straight to a cozy Italian kitchen.

Molten cheese cascades between perfectly cooked pasta tubes, creating a sensory explosion of Mediterranean delight.

Tomato sauce weaves its magic through each layer, infusing the dish with rich, robust character.

Ricotta’s creamy embrace mingles with stretchy mozzarella, crafting a texture so divine it whispers tales of family recipes.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this soul-warming masterpiece, turning simple ingredients into pure magic.

From the first forkful, you’ll understand why this dish has captured hearts across countless dinner tables.

Let this baked ziti be your ticket to a flavor adventure that promises to delight and comfort in equal measure.

What Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta and adding salt.
• Colander: Essential for draining cooked ziti pasta.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef and cooking onions.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for whisking ricotta and egg mixture.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Crucial for layering and baking ziti.
• Whisk: Helps blend ricotta and egg smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for adding precise salt amounts.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir meat sauce while simmering.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Instructions for Cooking Baked Ziti

• Cook Pasta Noodles

Boil salted water in a large pot. Drop ziti into bubbling water and cook until tender. Drain and set pasta aside.

• Create Meaty Sauce

Brown ground beef with diced onions in a skillet. Pour spaghetti sauce into meat mixture and let simmer, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.

• Prepare Creamy Cheese Blend

Whisk ricotta with egg until smooth and silky. This mixture will add incredible creaminess to the final dish.

• Build Mouthwatering Layers

Spread a thin sauce layer in a baking dish. Arrange pasta, then dollop ricotta mixture across the surface. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over each layer. Repeat the layering process to build depth of flavor.

• Top and Bake

Cover the top with fresh mozzarella slices. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. Allow the ziti to rest briefly before serving, letting flavors meld together perfectly.

Modify the Flavor of Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Maximize Flavor Potential: Enhance your ziti by letting the meat sauce simmer longer to develop deeper, richer flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Create Protein Variations: Swap ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles to customize the dish to your dietary preferences and keep things exciting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to enjoy, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap the baked ziti tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, creating a delicious emergency meal that's ready in minutes when you need it most.

Serving Ina Garten Baked Ziti at the Table

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty ziti casserole.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the cheesy pasta perfectly, helping to soak up extra sauce.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the robust meat and cheese flavors.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top to add brightness and a pop of color to the dish.

Keep Ina Garten Baked Ziti Fresh

• Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare ziti casserole ahead of time by assembling layers in advance and storing in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover ziti in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a secure lid to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap cooled ziti completely in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Frozen ziti stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out, ensuring the ziti remains creamy and appetizing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients Used for Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: Choose high-quality durum wheat pasta with smooth, even texture for perfect al dente cooking.

• Ground Beef, Spaghetti Sauce: Select lean ground beef with minimal fat for rich, clean flavor; opt for robust, well-seasoned tomato sauce.
• Onions: Pick firm, glossy onions without soft spots for sweet, caramelized undertones.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Select fresh, full-fat ricotta for creamy consistency; choose mozzarella with good melting properties; use authentic Parmesan for intense, nutty flavor.
• Egg: Use fresh, large eggs with bright, intact yolks for binding.

• Fresh Oregano, Fresh Basil: Select vibrant, fragrant herbs with deep green color for maximum flavor intensity.

• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning throughout the dish.

Comforting Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s baked ziti combines creamy ricotta, robust tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella in a comforting Italian-American casserole. Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will savor this hearty dish that brings warmth to family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 1 lb (454 g) dry ziti pasta
• 2 (26 oz / 737 g) jars spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb (454 g) ricotta cheese
• 6 oz (170 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• Dried oregano or basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook ziti until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
2. Meat Sauce Creation: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and meld together.
3. Cheese Mixture: Whisk ricotta cheese with egg until smooth and creamy, creating a uniform texture that will bind the dish’s layers.
4. Assembly Technique: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Fold cooked ziti into ricotta mixture, then layer in the dish. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese between layers. Garnish with dried oregano or fresh basil for enhanced aromatic depth.
5. Final Topping: Arrange fresh mozzarella slices across the casserole surface for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
6. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake ziti for 30 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Allow the dish to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling layers to stabilize and flavors to settle.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook ziti just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a firm bite.
• Flavor Layering: Simmer meat sauce longer to develop deeper, richer taste and allow ingredients to meld together completely.
• Cheese Binding: Mix ricotta with egg to create a creamy, smooth consistency that helps bind the pasta layers.
• Resting Secret: Allow the baked ziti to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to set layers and make serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg