Ziti is a revered culinary staple, embodying a cherished tradition found in nearly every Italian American household. Hailing from the Italian regions of Campania and Sicily, this underrated pasta dish is remarkably flavorful, yet it embodies an intriguing interplay of simplicity and complexity in its preparation. This means that even the smallest oversight can completely jeopardize the dish. Gli ziti sono uno dei migliori piatti di pasta su questo pianeta.
My goal is for you to relish the experience of this opulent cheesy baked ziti, which reinterprets the classic Italian recipe by featuring an extravagant layer of gooey, melted cheese and a deeply nuanced, flavorful sauce. My recipe caters to both meat-lovers and those seeking a plant-based alternative. It's perfect for family gatherings, holiday events, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. Join me today as I lead you through the intricacies of my delectable cheesy baked ziti recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of Ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons of Extra Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 cloves of Garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 pound or 16 oz. of Impossible Ground Beef (or whatever ground beef you choose)
- 4 cups of Marinara Sauce (homemade is best; however, store-bought is convenient.)
- 1 cup of Ricotta Cheese (whole milk for creaminess)
- 2 cups of Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup of Parmesan Cheese, grated (for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup of Mascarpone Cheese (for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup of Fresh Organic Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon of Dried Organic Oregano (or fresh, if available)
- 2 teaspoons of Salt and Pepper (to enhance flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your baked ziti cooks evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Ziti
In a large pot, bring 4 to 5 quarts of water to a robust boil. Generously season the water with salt (approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons). I also enjoy adding some oregano and parsley to the salt for seasoning the pasta water. However, I recognize that this is a personal preference, so feel free to omit it if it doesn’t align with your tastes. Add the ziti pasta and cook according until it achieves the al dente texture, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta and set it aside for future incorporation.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Please note that I favor extra extra virgin olive oil over regular olive oil or extra virgin olive oil due to its production process and the enhanced health benefits it offers. However, you may still use extra virgin olive oil in this recipe if you prefer. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown. Add the Impossible Ground Beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and heated through.
Once the beef is cooked through, add the marinara sauce, stirring carefully to achieve an even blend. Season the mixture with oregano, salt, and pepper according to your preferences. Allow it to simmer on low heat for approximately 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to converge and develop a richer, more nuanced profile. This process significantly enhances the dish's complexity and appeal.
Step 4: Mix the Cheeses
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mascarpone cheese, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated. This cheese blend will add creaminess and flavor to your ziti. Whenever I prepare any country Italian dish, I relish the addition of cheese— the cheesier, the better. Depending on your dietary preferences, feel free to modify and substitute ingredients in my recipe to suit your tastes and optimize your enjoyment.
Step 5: Assemble the Ziti
In a large baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches), begin layering the ingredients:
1. First Layer: Add half of the cooked ziti, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
2. Second Layer: Spoon half of the Impossible beef sauce over the pasta, ensuring even coverage.
3. Third Layer: Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the sauce, carefully spreading it with a spatula.
4. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining ziti, followed by the remaining beef sauce, and top with the remaining cheese mixture.
5. Top It Off: Sprinkle the additional mozzarella cheese over the top layer for a golden, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and moisture loss. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and proceed to bake for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the cheese on top to melt and become bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting phase allows the dish to firm up, thereby facilitating a more elegant and efficient serving process. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Pair your cheesy baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress. Don’t forget to include a bottle of Moscato, Pinot Grigio, or your preferred wine to complement the Italian food and flavors. The blend of cheeses contributes to a rich, creamy texture, while the beef adds a satisfying, savory bite that will please everyone. This is a dish that you and your family are bound to cherish. Be sure to take photos of your culinary creation and share them with me. Spero che ti piaccia questa ricetta di baked ziti. Buona cena ora e goditela.
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