When the chill of autumn sneaks under the door, there’s nothing like a warm, bubbling dish of baked ziti to chase it away. Picture this: tender pasta mingling with savory ground beef, all smothered in gooey cheese—it’s like a hug in a casserole dish. My grandma swore it was the secret to winning hearts, and honestly, who am I to argue?
Steps
- Preheat your oven and prepare a 9 x 9-inch baking dish by covering it with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed.
- Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, then add a layer of cooked ziti.
- Evenly distribute the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by another layer of sauce.
- Repeat the layers until the dish is filled, then top with fresh basil leaves and a sprig for garnish.
- Cover with a blend of shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese for added flavor.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, then let it cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta
- Homemade sauce with sweet Italian sausage
- Ricotta cheese
- Sour cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Vodka sauce
- Fresh basil leaves (5-6 leaves per dish)
- Provolone-mozzarella shredded cheese mix
- Aluminum foil (for covering the dishes)
FAQ
- Can I substitute the homemade sauce with store-bought sauce for baked ziti?
- Absolutely, you can use store-bought sauce if you don’t have homemade sauce available. The recipe is flexible, and using a high-quality store-bought sauce can still yield delicious results.
- What types of cheese work well in baked ziti?
- Baked ziti can accommodate a variety of cheeses. Common choices include ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone. Mixing different cheeses can enhance the dish’s flavor, so feel free to experiment.
- How can I avoid the baked ziti drying out in the oven?
- To prevent the dish from drying out, cover it with aluminum foil while baking. This helps retain moisture, ensuring your baked ziti remains deliciously creamy.
- Is it possible to add herbs to baked ziti?
- Yes, adding herbs can elevate the dish’s flavor. Fresh basil works particularly well, and you can add a few leaves to the dish before baking for an aromatic touch.
- Can I prepare baked ziti in advance?
- Certainly! You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
Tips
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese in your baked ziti; mixing various grated cheeses can enhance the flavor without ruining the dish.
- To keep the baked ziti moist, cover the dish with aluminum foil while baking.
- Fresh herbs, like basil, can elevate the dish’s flavor. Add a few leaves before baking and use a sprig for garnish.
- Trying different sauces, such as a vodka sauce, can add a unique twist to the traditional baked ziti recipe.
Equipment
- 9 x 9 Pyrex Baking Dish – If someone doesn’t already have an appropriate baking dish, this might be something they’d purchase.
- Aluminum Foil – While not exactly equipment, it can be considered a kitchen essential for this recipe to cover the dish and retain moisture.
