Easy Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe: Classic Comfort in Minutes

Baked ziti emerges as a quintessential comfort food that transforms ordinary pasta into a mouthwatering Mediterranean masterpiece.

Layers of rich, melted cheese intertwine with robust tomato sauce, creating a harmonious culinary experience that warms both heart and soul.

Pasta enthusiasts will appreciate the delicate balance of textures and flavors dancing within this classic Italian-American dish.

Creamy ricotta and stretchy mozzarella meld together, promising an irresistible blend of savory goodness.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through carefully crafted ingredients that speak to traditional home cooking.

Every bite tells a story of rustic kitchens and generations of passionate cooks perfecting their craft.

The magic of this dish lies in its ability to bring people together, transforming a simple meal into a memorable gathering: dig in and savor the experience.

Tips for a Great Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Broil for Brilliance: Create a golden, crispy cheese crust by placing the ziti under the broiler for 2-3 minutes just before serving.
• Prep in Advance: Assemble the entire dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when you're ready to enjoy a stress-free meal.
• Preserve Freshness: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, reheating easily in the oven or microwave without losing flavor.
• Maximize Herbs: Chop fresh basil or oregano moments before adding to unleash their most vibrant and aromatic qualities.
• Balance Cheese Layers: Distribute cheese evenly throughout the dish to ensure a delicious bite every time.

Preserving Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Freezer Method: Preserve ziti in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Divide into individual portions before freezing to simplify future meal planning. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigeration Method: Store leftover baked ziti in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated portions within 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and food safety. Place containers in the coldest part of the refrigerator to extend freshness.
• Reheating Method: Revive cold ziti using microwave or oven techniques. Microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Oven method involves covering dish with foil and warming at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, which helps restore the original creamy texture and prevents drying out.

Ways to Vary Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Vegetarian Ziti Delight: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Keep the creamy ricotta mixture and layering technique for a hearty meatless meal.
• Spicy Mexican Ziti: Add diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and swap traditional sauce with salsa. Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Inspired Ziti: Replace ground beef with crumbled feta cheese and chopped spinach. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and use a light olive oil-based sauce. Sprinkle with oregano and kalamata olives for an authentic Greek-style experience.
• Creamy Chicken Ziti: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef. Incorporate cream cheese into the ricotta mixture for extra richness. Add some roasted garlic and fresh thyme to elevate the flavors.

Closing Thoughts on Ina Garten Baked Ziti

Ziti masterpiece awaits culinary adventurers seeking comfort and flavor.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe promises hearty satisfaction with multiple cheese layers and rich beef sauce.

Pasta enthusiasts will discover Mediterranean-inspired magic in each delectable bite.

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights through carefully balanced ingredients and strategic layering techniques.

Cheese lovers can celebrate this classic Italian-American casserole that transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary dining experiences.

Share this mouthwatering recipe with friends, comment below about your ziti adventure, and spread delicious inspiration across your favorite social platforms!

Why Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti Is So Comforting

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This baked ziti delivers a classic Italian-American dish packed with rich, satisfying flavors that warm your soul and bring instant culinary comfort.
• Create Effortless Layers: The simple layering technique makes assembling this dish super easy, allowing even beginner cooks to build impressive, restaurant-quality pasta with minimal cooking skills.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Cheesiness: Multiple cheese varieties like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create an incredible creamy texture that stretches and provides luxurious, gooey bites in every forkful.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With just one hour total cooking time, this ziti becomes a perfect meal for busy families wanting delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: Classic Italian pasta shape perfect for casseroles, holds sauce well and creates a hearty base.

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that adds depth and heartiness to the dish, choose lean for less grease.
• Onion: Provides sweet and savory flavor foundation, fresh and finely chopped works best.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Premade sauce adds quick and consistent tomato flavor, choose high-quality brand for best taste.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and soft cheese that creates smooth texture, whole milk variety recommended.
• Egg: Helps bind ricotta and create silky consistency, fresh large egg preferred.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, provides classic stretchy cheese pull, fresh sliced or shredded works well.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor complexity, freshly grated gives best taste.

• Oregano, Basil: Fresh or dried herbs that enhance overall Italian flavor profile, either works nicely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ina Garten Baked Ziti

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Carefully add ziti pasta and cook for 8 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Meat Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and finely chopped onions. Cook until meat is completely browned and onions are translucent. Pour in spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Warm Up Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure oven rack is positioned in the middle.

Step 4: Create Creamy Ricotta Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 5: Assemble Delicious Layers

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Optional: Fresh oregano or basil

Repeat layering process 2-3 times.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Arrange fresh mozzarella slices across the top of the dish for a beautiful golden finish.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide baking dish into preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s baked ziti delivers comforting Italian-American pasta perfection with rich layers of cheese, hearty tomato sauce, and al dente pasta. Classic ingredients merge into a crowd-pleasing casserole you cannot resist sharing with family and friends around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) dry ziti pasta
• 2 (26-ounce / 737 grams) jars of spaghetti sauce

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 6 ounces (170 grams) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• Dried oregano or basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot by filling it with water and adding a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the ziti pasta and cook for approximately 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, ensuring all water is removed.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and finely chopped onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is completely browned and the onions are translucent, approximately 7-9 minutes. Pour in the prepared spaghetti sauce and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a lightly beaten egg. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
5. Select a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom. Gently fold the cooked ziti pasta into the ricotta mixture. Carefully layer the ricotta-coated pasta over the sauce. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. For additional flavor, dust with dried oregano or fresh basil. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used.
6. Arrange thin slices of fresh mozzarella across the top of the casserole, creating an attractive and appetizing surface.
7. Transfer the assembled ziti to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly, and the entire dish is heated thoroughly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

• Leftover ziti stays delicious when refrigerated and reheated carefully within 3-4 days.
• Fresh Parmesan cheese grated directly enhances the authentic Italian flavor profile.
• Whole milk ricotta creates a creamier, more luxurious texture than lower-fat alternatives.
• Ground turkey or Italian sausage work perfectly as excellent protein substitutes for beef.
• Fresh basil or oregano sprinkled on top transforms the dish with vibrant, aromatic notes.
• Letting the ziti rest after baking allows the layers to set and makes serving much smoother.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg