Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food Elevated

The Quintessential Comfort: Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti, a classic Italian pasta bake that never fails to satisfy.

This beloved recipe is a staple in many households, boasting rich flavors, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of tender ziti, flavorful ground beef, and a blend of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese is a match made in heaven.

Key Ingredients:

• 240g / 1 cup ziti pasta
• 500g / 1.1 lbs ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 120g / 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In a separate saucepan, combine the ground beef, marinara sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the flavors have melded together.

Get Ready to Savor:

1. Combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese in a baking dish.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti Recipe

This classic Baked Ziti recipe, inspired by Ina Garten, is a crowd-pleaser. It combines al dente ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses.

Key Ingredients:

• 450 g / 1 lb ziti pasta
• 800 g / 2 cups tomato sauce
• 250 g / 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 120 g / 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 120 g / 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 190 °C / 375 °F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, and cheeses in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

This quick and easy Baked Ziti recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Gathering the Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Before you dive into the world of bubbling, cheesy goodness, let’s get our ingredients sorted. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, but feel free to personalize it to your taste.

• Pasta: 240 g / 1 cup dried ziti
• Meat Sauce: 1.1 kg / 2.5 lbs ground beef
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Crushed Tomatoes: 790 g / 28 oz can
• Tomato Paste: 60 ml / 1/4 cup
• Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Ricotta Cheese: 450 g / 16 oz
• Mozzarella Cheese: 300 g / 10.5 oz, shredded
• Parmesan Cheese: 60 g / 1/4 cup, grated

Optional Additions:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide: Bringing the Recipe to Life

Follow these detailed instructions to achieve the perfect Baked Ziti, just like Ina Garten’s recipe.

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and cook 500g (1.1 lb) of ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook 250g (8.8 oz) of ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
3. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ground beef mixture, 240g (8 oz) of grated mozzarella cheese, and 120g (4 oz) of grated Parmesan cheese.
5. In a separate bowl, mix 240g (8 oz) of ricotta cheese with 1 egg and 1 tsp dried basil. Combine the ricotta mixture with the pasta mixture and stir well.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 20x30cm (8×12 inch) baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips: Elevating Your Baked Ziti

To take your Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe to the next level, consider these insider tips and tricks. A perfectly cooked baked ziti requires attention to detail and a few clever hacks.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for al dente, typically 7-9 minutes in boiling water at 93°C / 200°F.
• Don’t overload the baking dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a soggy texture. Use a 20×30 cm / 8×12 inch dish and layer ingredients thoughtfully.

Cooking Hacks

1. Use a combination of grated mozzarella (240 g / 1 cup) and parmesan (120 g / 1/2 cup) for an creamy, well-balanced flavor profile.
2. Add a layer of caramelized onions or garlic for added depth of flavor. Cook the onions in olive oil over low heat (165°C / 325°F) for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.

By incorporating these pro tips into your Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe, you’ll be able to create a truly exceptional pasta bake that’s sure to impress. Remember to stay attentive to temperatures, cooking times, and ingredient ratios to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Making it Your Own: Ingredient Substitutions

Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti is a classic, but feel free to tweak it to your liking! Here are some ingredient swaps to make this dish truly your own.

Cheese

While ricotta and mozzarella are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try:

• Cream cheese for a richer flavor
• Goat cheese for a tangy twist
• Parmesan cheese for a sharper, saltier note

Pasta

Ziti is the go-to shape, but other tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni will work too. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ziti or penne.

Meat

Ground beef is the classic choice, but you can substitute:

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
• Italian sausage for a spicier kick
• Pancetta or bacon for a richer flavor

Optional: Add chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Get Creative with Baked Ziti: 5 Delicious Variations

Take the classic Baked Ziti recipe to the next level with these exciting variations that add a unique twist to this beloved pasta bake.

• Spicy Italian Sausage Baked Ziti: Add some heat to your Baked Ziti with Italian sausage, diced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This variation takes 15 minutes longer to prepare (45 minutes total), but is sure to satisfy your spice cravings.
• Roasted Vegetable Baked Ziti: Swap out the meat for an abundance of roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and red bell peppers. This vegetarian option adds 10 minutes to the cooking time (40 minutes total) and is perfect for a meatless Monday.
• Mushroom and Truffle Baked Ziti: Elevate your Baked Ziti with the earthy flavor of sautéed mushrooms and truffle oil. This variation adds 10 minutes to the cooking time (40 minutes total) and is sure to impress your dinner guests.
• Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Ziti: Add a tangy twist to your Baked Ziti with crumbled goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. This variation takes 5 minutes less to prepare (35 minutes total) and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Meatball and Pepper Baked Ziti: Add some heft to your Baked Ziti with homemade meatballs and diced bell peppers. This variation takes 10 minutes longer to prepare (45 minutes total) and is sure to become a family favorite.

Storing Your Leftovers: Keeping it Fresh

To maintain the flavor and texture of your Ina Garten Baked Ziti, proper storage is essential. Cool the dish to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it.

Refrigeration

Store the Baked Ziti in an airtight container at a temperature of 4°C / 39°F or below. It will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 180°C / 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing

• Portion the Baked Ziti into individual servings or freeze the entire dish.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Store at -18°C / 0°F or below for up to 3 months.

When reheating frozen Baked Ziti, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as instructed above. By following these storage tips, you’ll enjoy your Ina Garten Baked Ziti for days to come.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: Baking Ziti Made Easy

Even the best-laid plans can go awry when baking ziti. But don’t worry! With a little know-how, you can easily fix common problems and end up with a delicious, bubbly casserole. Here are some tips to ensure your baked ziti turns out perfect every time:

Soggy Ziti?

• Ensure your pasta is al dente. Overcooked pasta will absorb too much sauce, leading to a soggy result. Cook it according to package directions, but aim for a slight bite.
• Don’t overfill the baking dish. Leave some space at the top for the liquid to evaporate during baking.
• Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs. A thin layer of breadcrumbs on top will help absorb excess moisture and create a crispy crust.

Dry Ziti?

• Increase the amount of sauce. If your ziti feels dry, add a little extra sauce to the baking dish before topping with cheese.
• Add a splash of pasta water. The starchy water from cooking the pasta can help create a richer sauce.

Burnt Cheese?

Nutritional Information: Fueling Your Body

Understanding the nutritional content of Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti recipe helps you make informed dietary choices.

This recipe yields 6-8 servings, with each serving containing approximately:

• Calories: 420 (°C) / 785 (°F)
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg

This recipe is suitable for individuals following a gluten-free diet (GF) and can be adapted to be dairy-free (DF) by substituting cheese with a non-dairy alternative.

Keep in mind that this recipe is not vegan due to the presence of cheese and eggs.

Key Takeaways: Mastering the Art of Baked Ziti

Ina Garten’s baked ziti is a testament to simple, delicious Italian-American comfort food. It’s all about layering flavorful ingredients and letting them meld in the oven for a truly satisfying dish.

1. The Sauce is Key: Start with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Don’t skimp on the garlic, oregano, and basil for that classic Italian taste.
2. Cheese, Please: A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy, gooey, and utterly irresistible topping.
3. Pasta Perfection: Cook the ziti al dente – it will continue to cook in the oven.
4. Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the ingredients evenly in the baking dish to ensure everything cooks consistently.
5. Low and Slow: Baking at a moderate temperature (180°C/350°F) allows the flavors to develop and the cheese to melt beautifully.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a baked ziti that rivals Ina Garten’s own.

From the Author’s Kitchen: A Timeless Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

As I reminisce about my favorite comfort food recipes, Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti stands out as a true classic. I first discovered this dish in the Hamptons, where it was a staple at many a dinner party. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture made it an instant hit, and I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few quality ingredients and some careful layering, you can create a truly show-stopping dish. I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings and special occasions, and it never fails to impress.

One of my favorite things about Ina’s Baked Ziti is the way the flavors meld together as it bakes. The creamy sauce, the melted mozzarella, and the tender pasta all come together to create a truly unforgettable taste experience. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

Enjoy Your Homemade Baked Ziti!

Now that your Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe is fresh out of the oven, it’s time to indulge in the warm, comforting goodness of a homemade meal. This classic comfort food is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for cozy nights in or special gatherings.

The combination of al dente ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese is a match made in heaven. Baked to perfection at 180°C / 350°F, the flavors meld together in a deliciously satisfying way.

• Savor the aroma of freshly baked ziti, filled with 240 g / 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 120 g / 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella.
• Relish the comfort of a homemade meal, made with love and care, using 450 g / 1 pound of ground beef and 250 g / 1 cup of marinara sauce.

So go ahead, gather around the table, and enjoy the delicious results of your culinary creation. This Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe is a true comfort food classic, and it’s sure to bring joy and satisfaction to all who taste it.