Baked Ziti, or Ziti al Forno, is a classic Italian comfort food that combines the best of hearty pasta, rich meat sauce, and a melty blend of cheeses. This dish offers more than just a satisfying taste—it’s a great source of essential nutrients when prepared with wholesome ingredients. The pasta provides complex carbohydrates for energy, while the meat sauce delivers a good dose of protein and iron. The cheese topping adds calcium, which is important for bone health. However, it's important to keep in mind that Baked Ziti can be high in calories, fats, and sodium, especially if consumed in large portions. Moderation is key to fully enjoying this dish while benefiting from its nutritional value. Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Ziti recipe, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Follow our simple instructions to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

- 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta

- 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce

- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 1 tsp dried basil

- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions:

• For vegetarians: You can replace the ground beef with tofu, tempeh, or vegan ground beef.
• You can replace the beef with ground chicken or turkey.
• You can use dairy-free cheeses, such as vegan mozzarella and vegan parmesan.
• You can replace the whole milk mozzarella with reduced-fat mozzarella or ricotta with cottage cheese.

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Season the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well.

Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining cheese.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

This Baked Ziti (Ziti al Forno) recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions.

Serving Suggestions

• Green Salad: A refreshing side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy Baked Ziti.
• Garlic Bread: A classic choice to complement the dish, garlic bread adds a crunchy, flavorful touch that pairs well with the richness of the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1.Can I prepare Baked Ziti in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply assemble the Ziti as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, just pop it into the preheated oven and bake as usual.

2.How should I store leftover Baked Ziti?

• Leftover Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if preferred.

3.Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

• Yes, you can easily make Baked Ziti vegetarian or vegan by using plant-based substitutes. Replace the ground beef with vegan ground meat or tofu, and use vegan cheese options such as almond-based mozzarella or cashew-based Parmesan. These swaps maintain the richness and flavor of the dish while making it suitable for a plant-based diet.

4.Can I add vegetables to the Baked Ziti?

• Absolutely! Adding vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. Consider incorporating vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the sauce. These additions will provide extra vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

5.How can I make the dish lower in fat?

• To reduce the fat content, use lean ground meat such as ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also use part-skim mozzarella or cottage cheese instead of whole-fat cheeses. Additionally, drain the fat from the meat after cooking to further lower the fat content.

Nutritional values

12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta

 - Calories: About 210 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 42g

 - Protein: 7g

 - Fat: 1g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Provides carbohydrates for energy.

 - Contains some protein and fiber, contributing to satiety.

2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce

 - Calories: About 80 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 2g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Contains vitamins A and C from tomatoes.

 - Provides antioxidants and adds flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

 - Calories: About 250 kcal

 - Fat: 20g (including saturated fat)

 - Protein: 22g

 - Cholesterol: 70 mg

Benefits:

 - High in protein and iron.

 - Provides essential nutrients and flavor.

1 small onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: About 45 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains antioxidants, vitamins C and B6.

2 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Known for its potential anti-inflammatory and heart health benefits.

1 tsp dried oregano

 - Calories: About 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.8g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains antioxidants.

1 tsp dried basil

 - Calories: About 2 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and can boost metabolism.

2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

 - Calories: About 80 kcal

 - Fat: 6g (including saturated fat)

 - Protein: 6g

Benefits:

 - Provides calcium and protein.

 - Adds creaminess and flavor to the dish.

1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

 - Calories: About 110 kcal

 - Fat: 7g (including saturated fat)

 - Protein: 10g

Benefits:

 - High in calcium and protein.

 - Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.

Salt and black pepper to taste

- Nutritional Value (negligible)

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor.

2 tbsp olive oil

 - Calories: About 120 kcal

 - Fat: 14g (including monounsaturated fat)

Benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats.

 - Adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

 - Calories: About 1 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and freshness.

 - Contains vitamins and antioxidants.

This ziti pasta recipe combines rich and flavorful ingredients, providing a well-rounded meal with protein from the beef and cheeses, carbohydrates from the pasta, and a variety of vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables and herbs. The cheeses add creaminess and depth of flavor, while the herbs and spices enhance the dish's overall taste.