Baked ziti is a dish I find both comforting and straightforward to prepare.
One tip to ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook is to boil it until it’s just shy of al dente before it goes in the oven.
I love that with baked ziti, you’re free to add a variety of cheeses, perhaps a mix of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, to achieve that irresistible, melty goodness.
When you pull the bubbling dish out of the oven, the golden-brown cheese topping makes it all the more inviting.
What’s truly delightful about this recipe is its flexibility—feel free to incorporate vegetables or switch up the meats to suit your taste.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti Pasta
- 1 can Tomatoes (28 oz., crushed)
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
- 1 1/2 cups Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Parsley (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Step 2:
Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until soft.
Step 4:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper; let it simmer.
Step 5:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook ziti until it’s slightly underdone, then drain.
Step 6:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and parsley.
Step 7:
Layer some of the tomato-meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Step 8:
Next, layer half the pasta, then the cheese mixture, and repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of mozzarella.
Step 9:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choosing Your Pasta
You can swap in penne or rigatoni if you can’t find ziti; they work just as well.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; some like to add a bit of Gouda for a smoky flavor.
Meat Choices
If you’re not into beef, ground turkey can be a lighter substitute that still packs a lot of taste.
Freezing for Later
This dish freezes beautifully; just assemble the ziti, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready, bake it directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Remember, the best thing about this recipe is that it’s forgiving and versatile. Enjoy making it your own!
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
Garlic Bread
I love pairing baked ziti with garlic bread. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints.
Caesar Salad
You can’t go wrong with a fresh Caesar salad on the side. The crispness balances the ziti’s richness beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out a brilliant flavor that complements the pasta well. Plus, they add a pop of color to your plate.
Marinated Zucchini Salad
A marinated zucchini salad is a unique side that’s both refreshing and light. It can offer a delightful contrast to the hearty ziti.
Quinoa Tabbouleh
For a healthier twist, quinoa tabbouleh is a fantastic option. Its bright flavors provide a tasty and nutritious balance.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Options
If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese works as a great substitute.
Gluten-Free
You can easily switch to gluten-free pasta if that’s a concern for you.
Vegetarian Twist
For a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat and add sautéed veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.
Dairy Adjustments
Lactose-intolerant? Use lactose-free cheese or plant-based alternatives.
Meat Variations
Don’t hesitate to replace the ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Remember, you’re the chef in your kitchen, so feel free to get creative!
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti
Cooling Down
Before you even think about storage, let your baked ziti cool down to room temperature.
This prevents condensation from forming inside the container which could make the pasta soggy.
Refrigerating
You should store your leftover baked ziti in an airtight container.
Pop it into the fridge, and it’s good there for up to 5 days.
Freezing
If you’re planning to keep it longer, freezing is a fantastic option.
Make sure your ziti’s in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
You’ve got a delicious meal ready to go for the next 2-3 months.
Labeling
I always recommend labeling your leftovers with the date.
This way, you never have to guess whether it’s still safe to enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Pasta
When preparing the ziti, it’s crucial to avoid overcooking it since it continues to cook in the oven.
I make sure to cook it just until it’s al dente, as it will perfectly absorb the sauce later.
Skimping on the Sauce
I’ve learned that you can’t be shy with the sauce; baked ziti needs plenty to stay moist.
Make sure to have extra sauce on hand, because nobody likes a dry baked ziti.
Foregoing Seasoning
Don’t forget to season your cheese mixture thoroughly.
Salt, pepper, and a touch of herbs can bring out the flavors beautifully.
Improper Cheese Mixing
Ricotta needs to be spread evenly throughout, so take care to mix it well with the mozzarella and parmesan.
I always stir just enough to incorporate, aiming for a marbled effect, rather than completely uniform.
Rushing the Layers
Take your time layering the pasta, cheese, and sauce.
Rushed layers can result in uneven baking and less than perfect ziti.
Skipping the Rest Period
After baking, let your ziti rest for a few minutes.
This pause allows the dish to settle, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti Pasta
- 1 can Tomatoes 28 oz., crushed
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese grated
- 1 1/2 cups Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until soft.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper; let it simmer.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook ziti until it's slightly underdone, then drain.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and parsley.
- Layer some of the tomato-meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Next, layer half the pasta, then the cheese mixture, and repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
