The Ultimate Comfort: Hearty Baked Ziti with Ricotta

  

When it comes to Italian comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a bubbling, cheesy, and deeply satisfying baked pasta. Today, we're diving into the glorious world of Baked Ziti with Ricotta – a classic Italian-American casserole that promises warmth, flavor, and pure contentment in every single bite.

This dish is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. We're talking about perfectly al dente ziti pasta, coated in a rich, savory tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, and blanketed under a generous amount of gooey mozzarella. It's the kind of meal that feeds a crowd, fills your home with incredible aromas, and leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied.

Whether you're looking for a perfect weeknight meal, a hearty dish for a potluck, or a comforting Sunday dinner, this Baked Ziti is your answer. It's easy to assemble, forgiving, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ready to dig into some serious Italian comfort? Let's get baking!

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Classic Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Yields: 8-10 servings Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes bake time + 20-25 minutes sauce/noodle prep

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne, rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix, optional for meat sauce)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 1 cup water or beef/vegetable broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups (about 1 lb) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions:

1.    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package directions until al dente (a minute or two less than recommended, as it will continue to cook in the oven). Drain well and set aside.

2.    Make the Meat Sauce (if using): While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef/sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.

3.    Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4.    Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add water or broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5.    Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

6.    Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

o   Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.

o   Spread half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.

o   Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the ziti.

o   Top with about 1.5-2 cups of shredded mozzarella.

o   Spoon another generous layer of meat sauce over the mozzarella.

o   Repeat with the remaining ziti, then the remaining sauce.

o   Finish by spreading the remaining 2-2.5 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

7.    Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (you may want to spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking). Bake for 20 minutes.

8.    Brown Top: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9.    Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the pasta and sauce to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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There's nothing quite like pulling a bubbling pan of this Classic Baked Ziti out of the oven. It's truly a labor of love that pays off in delicious comfort. Perfect for feeding your family and friends, this Italian casserole is sure to become a beloved tradition.

Buon appetito!