Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Why it’s great for your cooking channel: Baked ziti is a beloved dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s ideal for showcasing how to make a satisfying meal that can easily be adapted for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The recipe also highlights basic cooking techniques like making a sauce, layering ingredients, and baking, which are valuable for viewers at any skill level.
Description: Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Serving size: 6-8 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef (optional)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. - Mix the Ricotta:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. - Assemble the Baked Ziti:
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the remaining sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top. - Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Final Thoughts: Baked ziti is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for showcasing on your cooking channel. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a favorite for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe is also highly adaptable—viewers can add vegetables, switch up the protein, or even make it vegetarian. With minimal prep and a crowd-pleasing result, baked ziti is a must-try recipe that’s sure to resonate with your audience.
