Nicole's Best Baked Ziti Recipe

There's nothing quite like a good baked ziti dish, and Nicole's Best Baked Ziti is a real winner. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it's no wonder why. With its rich and savory flavors, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta, it's the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just looking for a satisfying meal to enjoy at home, this dish is sure to please.

What sets Nicole's Best Baked Ziti apart from other recipes is the...

What sets Nicole's Best Baked Ziti apart from other recipes is the careful balance of flavors and textures. The ziti pasta is cooked to perfection, and the sauce is rich and aromatic, blending tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices. The creamy combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese brings an indulgent and satisfying mouthful in every bite. And the best part? It's all baked to golden perfection, creating a crispy and gooey topping that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

One of the best things about Nicole's Best Baked Ziti is its versatility. Whether you're looking for a classic Italian dinner, a potluck favorite, or a comforting meal to enjoy on a cozy night in, this dish fits the bill. It's easy to make in large quantities, making it perfect for feeding a crowd, and it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days to come.

This recipe is also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. While the ziti, cheese, and savory sauce take center stage, you can easily add in some diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to amp up the nutritional content without sacrificing taste. It's a clever and delicious way to ensure that your family is getting their daily dose of veggies.

So, if you're looking for a crowd-pleasing, comforting, and satisfying meal that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy, look no further than Nicole's Best Baked Ziti. This dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, and it's bound to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready to dive into a plate of pure, cheesy goodness. It's time to enjoy Nicole's Best Baked Ziti!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
¾ pound ground Italian sausage
¾ pound ground sirloin
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¾ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
½ cup water
1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 ½ (8 ounce) packages mozzarella cheese, shredded

Information

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Additional Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 9x13-inch baked ziti

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the boiling water and stir in pasta. Cook until just about tender to the bite, about 8 minutes (or 1 to 2 minutes less than package instructions).

At the same time, heat a large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and beef and cook, crumbling with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and pepper flakes; cook until onion is translucent and softened, 3 to 5 minutes.

Drain pasta and return to the pot. Add about 1/2 cup marinara; toss to coat and let sit until needed.

Add remaining marinara sauce to the browned meat mixture. Pour 1/4 cup water into each jar, shake to release any leftover sauce in the jar, and pour into the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Stir ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, basil, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper together in a bowl.

Add 2 cups meat sauce to the pasta; toss to coat.

Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add ½ of the pasta mixture and top with 2 cups meat sauce. Lightly dollop and spread ricotta mixture over the top and sprinkle evenly with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese. Add remaining pasta mixture, remaining meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella on top. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

808 cal.

Total Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 146mg
Sodium: 1701mg
Total Carbohydrate: 70g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Protein: 46g
Potassium: 898mg

How to Make Nicole's Best Baked Ziti - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

808 cal.

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