Best Baked Ziti (Pasta Al Forno) Recipe Discover the best baked ziti recipe, featuring ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy and delicious meal, ready in just an hour! What is the difference between ziti and lasagna?.
Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno
Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno Video
About This Recipe
Did you know that Italian pasta shapes are specifically designed to pair with different sauces? Each shape helps the sauce cling differently to enhance the dish.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
How to Make Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno
- Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onions, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer 30 minutes.
- Cook ziti until very al dente. Drain.
- Mix ricotta into the meat sauce, combine with pasta.
- Layer in baking dish with mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is browned and bubbly.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and crusty Italian bread. A glass of red wine complements perfectly.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Most components of this Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Assemble and finish just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What's the best way to know when the meat is done?
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Internal temperatures should reach 165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground meat, and 145°F for whole cuts of beef or pork.
Ingredients
Method
- Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onions, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer 30 minutes.
- Cook ziti until very al dente. Drain.
- Mix ricotta into the meat sauce, combine with pasta.
- Layer in baking dish with mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is browned and bubbly.
Notes
Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for the deepest, sweetest flavor—rushing this process will result in tough, stringy onions. Save some pasta cooking water before draining—the starch helps sauce cling to pasta and creates a silky texture. Storage & Meal Prep:
Leftover Baked Ziti - Pasta Al Forno keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. This dish makes excellent meal prep—you can portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week.
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