Mohamed Shili This hearty Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti is prepared using ziti or mostaccioli, ground beef, Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. This hearty Baked Ziti recipe is a satisfying dinner that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 grams) of Ziti or Mostaccioli
- 1 pound (454 grams) of Ground Beef
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) of Olive Oil
- 3 cloves of Garlic, Minced
- 1 large Onion, Diced
- 1 pound (454 grams) of Italian Sausage
- Two 14.5-ounce cans (Approx. 822 grams) of Tomato Sauce or Marinara Sauce
- One 28-ounce can (794 grams) of Whole Tomatoes with Juice
- 2 tsp (10 ml) of Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) of Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) of Mozzarella, Grated
- One 15-ounce tub (425 grams) of Whole-Milk Ricotta
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) of Grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) of Chopped Fresh Parsley, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 Eggs
How To Make Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti
- Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), which is essential for the proper baking of the ziti.
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil; add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking them until they become soft and translucent.
- Cook meats: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, cooking them until they are well-browned; be sure to drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in both cans of tomato sauce, the can of whole tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper, letting everything simmer for about 25-30 minutes; then remove 3-4 cups of this sauce to cool.
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, season with a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil; add the ziti and cook it until it is just shy of al dente.
- Mix the cheeses: In a separate large bowl, combine the grated mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, chopped parsley, eggs, and a bit of salt and pepper, stirring them together well.
- Combine pasta and sauces: Drain the pasta and cool it quickly under cold water; mix the pasta into the cheese mixture, then incorporate the cooled sauce thoroughly.
- Layer and bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture into a baking tray, top with half of the remaining sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese; repeat these layers once more and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes; allow to rest for 5 minutes before sprinkling with additional parsley and serving.
Recipe Tips
- Add Depth to Sauce: To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce during the simmering process.
- Enhance Cheesiness: For an even cheesier experience, layer slices of provolone between the mozzarella layers to add a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Optimize Pasta Cooking: To prevent overcooking in the oven, boil the ziti until it’s just under al dente since it will continue to cook when baked.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of tomato paste into the sauce while it simmers.
- Fresh Herbs Finish: Sprinkle fresh basil over the baked ziti right before serving to introduce a fresh, aromatic touch to the hearty dish.
What To Serve With Baked Ziti
Serve your hearty Baked Ziti with roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, garlic sautéed spinach, caramelized onion focaccia, sun-dried tomato Caesar salad, and a beetroot and goat cheese arugula salad.
You can also pair your ziti with marinated artichoke hearts, and pickled red onions for an added tangy kick.
How Long To Store Baked Ziti Leftovers
To Refrigerate: Transfer any leftover Baked Ziti to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. Ensure it’s cooled to room temperature to avoid condensation inside the container.
To Freeze: Baked Ziti can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool it completely, portion it, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn.
How To Reheat Baked Ziti Leftovers
In The Oven: Place the leftover Baked Ziti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 20-25 minutes or until thoroughly heated; consider adding a splash of water or marinara sauce to keep it moist.
In The Microwave: Reheat the Baked Ziti in a microwave-safe dish, covered, on high for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating; add a little water or additional sauce if it seems dry.
In The Air Fryer: Reheat Baked Ziti in the air fryer at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from drying out; toss gently halfway through reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with any tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni. These shapes hold the sauce well and maintain a similar texture when baked.
Can I prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Baked Ziti up to 24 hours before you need to bake it. Cover it with foil and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheeses used in this recipe?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based mozzarella and ricotta substitutes. Many brands offer versions that melt well and are similar in flavor to their dairy counterparts.
Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 of 12 servings
- Calories: 690
- Total Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 149 mg
- Sodium: 1186 mg
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Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti
Description
This hearty Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti is prepared using ziti or mostaccioli, ground beef, Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. This hearty Baked Ziti recipe is a satisfying dinner that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti
- Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), which is essential for the proper baking of the ziti.
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil; add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking them until they become soft and translucent.
- Cook meats: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, cooking them until they are well-browned; be sure to drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in both cans of tomato sauce, the can of whole tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper, letting everything simmer for about 25-30 minutes; then remove 3-4 cups of this sauce to cool.
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, season with a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil; add the ziti and cook it until it is just shy of al dente.
- Mix the cheeses: In a separate large bowl, combine the grated mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, chopped parsley, eggs, and a bit of salt and pepper, stirring them together well.
- Combine pasta and sauces: Drain the pasta and cool it quickly under cold water; mix the pasta into the cheese mixture, then incorporate the cooled sauce thoroughly.
- Layer and bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture into a baking tray, top with half of the remaining sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese; repeat these layers once more and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes; allow to rest for 5 minutes before sprinkling with additional parsley and serving.
