Description
Hearty Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti brings Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheeses. Creamy marinara and bubbling mozzarella create a satisfying meal that brings families together around one delicious dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) of Ziti or Mostaccioli
- 1 pound (454 grams) of Ground Beef
- 1 pound (454 grams) of Italian Sausage
- 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) of Mozzarella, Grated
- One 15-ounce tub (425 grams) of Whole-Milk Ricotta
- ½ cup (50 grams) of Grated Parmesan
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- Two 14.5-ounce cans (Approx. 822 grams) of Tomato Sauce or Marinara Sauce
- One 28-ounce can (794 grams) of Whole Tomatoes with Juice
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Preparation Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of Olive Oil
- 3 cloves of Garlic, Minced
- 1 large Onion, Diced
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of Chopped Fresh Parsley, plus more for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), ensuring optimal temperature for baking ziti.
- In a large pot, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic and diced onions until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, browning the meats thoroughly and carefully draining any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Pour in tomato sauce, whole tomatoes with their juice, sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; simmer the sauce for 25-30 minutes to develop rich flavors, then set aside 3-4 cups to cool.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook ziti pasta until it reaches just before al dente, maintaining a slight firmness.
- Create the cheese blend by mixing grated mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, chopped parsley, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Drain pasta and quickly rinse with cold water to stop cooking; fold pasta into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Spread half the pasta-cheese mixture in a baking dish, cover with half the reserved sauce and mozzarella cheese; repeat layering process.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown; let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with additional fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
- Combine ground beef and Italian sausage for a robust meat base that elevates the traditional ziti flavor profile.
- Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness during the final baking stage, maintaining perfect al dente texture.
- Layer cheeses generously, creating a creamy, melted blanket that binds all ingredients together deliciously.
- Fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbal brightness that cuts through the rich, meaty sauce and cheesy goodness.
- Freeze individual portions for convenient, restaurant-quality meals during hectic weeknights or busy weeks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg