Best 10 Tangy Baked Ziti Recipes

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Welcome to the ultimate guide to creating the most delectable Tangy Baked Ziti! This classic Italian dish combines tender pasta, flavorful fillings, and a zesty sauce to create a dish that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or a special occasion, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the tips, tricks, and recipe variations you need to create the perfect Tangy Baked Ziti.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED ZITI I



Baked Ziti I image

A lady I worked with brought this in one day, and it was a hit. Now it is the favorite of all my dinner guests. It's great for a covered dish dinner too. I have made this also without the meat, and it is well received.

Provided by Colleen B. Smith

Categories     Pasta and Noodles     Pasta by Shape Recipes     Ziti Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 ½ cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 578.2 calories, Carbohydrate 58.4 g, Cholesterol 71.3 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 27.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 913.6 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

THE BEST BAKED ZITI



The Best Baked Ziti image

I am half Italian, was raised eating the finest Italian-American cuisine, and have filmed almost 2000 recipe videos, so when you consider all of those facts, it seems incredible that I have never posted a video for baked ziti. Hopefully I make up for that long wait by posting what I think is the best version of it.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

¾ pound hot Italian sausage
¾ pound sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 (24 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce
2 cups water
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 drizzle olive oil
1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 teaspoon chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Cut down the length of each sausage with a sharp knife. Remove and discard casings.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan set over high heat. Add sausages and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up with a spatula, until the sausage begins to brown, and the onion turns translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in marinara sauce. Pour 1 cup water into each jar to rinse out remaining sauce; add to the saucepan. Stir together and bring sauce to a simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Turn off heat and reserve until needed. Before using, skim any excess fat that rises to the surface.
  • While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 or 2 minutes less than the directions on the package call for, about 8 minutes. Drain well and transfer into a large mixing bowl.
  • Carefully add the meat sauce and stir until thoroughly combined. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a large 9x15-inch or 9x13-inch casserole dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared dish, then use a spatula to even out into a uniform layer. Top with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and then 1/2 of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, being sure to distribute evenly. Top with the rest of the pasta and sauce mixture and give the pan a little shake to settle the sauce. Repeat the cheese application.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is piping hot, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Top with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 627.1 calories, Carbohydrate 58.1 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 30.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.9 g, Sodium 1380.1 mg, Sugar 14.4 g

BAKED ZITI



Baked Ziti image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
Two 14.5-ounce cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ziti
1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, grated
One 15-ounce tub whole-milk ricotta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for sprinkling
2 eggs

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and saute until starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and sausage and cook until browned. Drain off almost all of the fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and some salt and pepper. Stir, bring to a simmer and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove 3 to 4 cups of the cooked sauce to a bowl to cool down.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt. Cook the ziti until not quite al dente.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a bowl, mix 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, eggs and some salt and pepper. Stir together just a couple of times (do not mix completely).
  • Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Pour it into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to slightly combine (there should still be large lumps). Add the cooled reserved meat sauce and toss to combine.
  • Add half the coated pasta to a large casserole dish or lasagna dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half the remaining mozzarella. Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta and the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
  • Bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before sprinkling with chopped parsley to serve.

OVER-THE-TOP BAKED ZITI



Over-the-Top Baked Ziti image

I adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef, garlic and onions. The revised recipe was a success not only with my family but at potlucks, too. It's so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware Field Editor

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 cans (29 ounces each) tomato puree
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons dried oregano
4 teaspoons sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
ZITI:
1 package (16 ounces) ziti
1 large egg, beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Additional minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours., Cook ziti according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper and 5 cups sauce. Drain ziti; stir into cheese mixture., Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour remaining sauce over the top; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Garnish with additional parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499 calories, Fat 10g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 826mg sodium, Carbohydrate 72g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

TANGY BAKED ZITI



Tangy Baked Ziti image

I'm not a big fan of ricotta, so when I found this recipe, I had to try it. I'm so glad I did! While not a pronounced flavor, the sour cream adds a creaminess to the recipe. A big hit with my picky son! I leave out the ground beef for my vegetarian DH.

Provided by Connie K

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
6 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 cups sour cream
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • In a large skillet, brown onion and ground beef over medium heat; Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
  • Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture; Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

NEELYS BAKED ZITI



Neelys Baked Ziti image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Salt
1 pound ziti
1 pound hot Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6 ounces pesto
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 (9-ounce) package washed spinach
Butter, for baking dish
2 cups shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan, plus more for topping

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add ziti and cook until al dente. Drain in a colander.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, saute turkey sausage. Add onion and garlic and saute until the sausage is cooked through. Use your spoon to break up the sausage while it cooks. Add the can of diced tomatoes and pesto and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan and mozzarella to a large bowl, and stir to combine.
  • Butter a 4-quart baking dish, add the cooked pasta, then sausage mixture and cheese mixture. Top with a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake until completely heated through and golden and crisp on top, about 20 minutes.

SLOW-COOKER BAKED ZITI



Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti image

I don't know one family that doesn't have some crazy, hectic weeknights. This slow-cooker baked ziti recipe was a delicious, easy fix for a busy weeknight dinner for our family. -Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 container (15 ounces) whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 jar (24 ounces) meatless pasta sauce
2 cups uncooked ziti
1/4 cup water
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, egg, basil, and if desired, red pepper flakes; set aside. Pour pasta sauce into a 5-qt. slow cooker. Evenly top sauce with pasta; pour water over top. Drop heaping tablespoons of ricotta cheese mixture over pasta. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. , Cover; cook on high until heated through and pasta is tender, 2 to 2-1/2 hours. Top with fresh basil and if desired, Parmesan cheese and additional red pepper flakes; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 379 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 89mg cholesterol, Sodium 886mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

BAKED ZITI RECIPE BY TASTY



Baked Ziti Recipe by Tasty image

Supremely saucy and cheesy, baked ziti is a family favorite for a reason! Toss ziti or your favorite tube-shaped pasta with a quick homemade tomato sauce and ricotta-Parmesan mixture, then layer with more ricotta and mozzarella and bake until bubbling and delicious.

Provided by Betsy Carter

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

½ tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup tomato paste
1 can whole peeled tomato
3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for boiling
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
1 package ziti or tubular pasta of choice
2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese, divided
2 cups grated parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish with the butter.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring to coat the aromatics, until the tomato paste is deep brick-red, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the whole tomatoes and their juices, using a potato masher or your hands to crush them into the sauce. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until thickened, 20 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of ricotta, the Parmesan, remaining teaspoon of salt, and remaining teaspoon of pepper to a medium bowl and stir to combine.
  • Reserve 2 cups of tomato sauce in a bowl, then add the ricotta-Parmesan mixture to the remaining tomato sauce in the pot and stir to combine.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until 2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander.
  • Add the drained pasta tomato-ricotta sauce and stir until well coated.
  • Add half of the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Cover with 1 cup of the reserved tomato sauce, ¾ cup of the mozzarella, and ½ cup of the remaining ricotta. Add the remaining pasta, then repeat with the remaining cup of tomato sauce, ¾ cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of ricotta.
  • Bake until the mozzarella is golden brown and the tomato sauce is bubbling, 25-30 minutes.
  • Garnish with the basil before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399 calories, Carbohydrate 17 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 26 grams, Sugar 7 grams

SPEEDY BAKED ZITI



Speedy Baked Ziti image

This quick baked ziti is a weeknight winner dinner. Everything bakes in the same skillet that is used to make the quick sausage ragu, which translates to much less time and effort (and one fewer dish to clean).

Provided by Lauryn Tyrell

Categories     Pork Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups store-bought marinara sauce, such as Rao's
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces ziti or rigatoni
1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups chopped mozzarella, divided
3/4 cup ricotta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until browned in places and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir in marinara sauce and 1 cup water. Season with salt and pepper; simmer 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook 12 ounces ziti or rigatoni in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain. Add pasta, reserved pasta water, basil, and 3/4 cup chopped mozzarella to skillet; toss to combine. Season to taste.
  • In a bowl, whisk together ricotta and heavy cream; season. Spoon mixture evenly over top of pasta. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup chopped mozzarella and Parmigiano. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until ziti is browned and bubbly and edges begin to crisp, about 20 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

MY SPICY BAKED ZITI



My Spicy Baked Ziti image

A great combination of all of the Baked Ziti recipes from here and Allrecipes.com. Can add Provolone cheese if desired and substitute ground beef or mild Italian sausage. Can also add more hot sausage to make it spicier

Provided by khott13

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 lb ziti pasta
1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb hot Italian sausage, browned (with casings removed)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, diced
28 ounces spaghetti sauce
1 tomatoes, peeled and chopped with juice
6 ounces tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 egg
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Cook Ziti according to package directions (al dente is preferred).
  • In a large skillet, cook the Sausage, Onions and Garlic in Olive Oil until the sausage is browned.
  • Add Spaghetti Sauce, Tomato, Tomato Paste, Chicken Broth, Rosemary and Oregano.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Mix Ricotta, Egg, and Parsley in a large bowl.
  • Mix 1/3 of the sausage mixture with the cooked Ziti pasta.
  • Place half of the Ziti mixture in a 13x9x2 in baking dish.
  • In the following order, spread the Ricotta mixture over the Ziti, followed by half of the Parmesan and Mozarella cheeses, and then an additional 1/3 of the sausage mixture.
  • Then layer the rest of the Ziti, remaining sausage mixture, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, finishing with the Basil.
  • Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 737.5, Fat 35.9, SaturatedFat 15.2, Cholesterol 111.9, Sodium 1739.2, Carbohydrate 66.4, Fiber 4, Sugar 15.1, Protein 36.8

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your baked ziti taste amazing. Look for ripe tomatoes, creamy ricotta cheese, and flavorful Italian sausage.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the baked ziti.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A combination of cheeses will give your baked ziti a rich, complex flavor. Try using a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese.
  • Season the dish well: Don't be afraid to use plenty of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will help to enhance the flavors of the dish.
  • Let the dish rest before serving: Once the baked ziti is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the dish will be easier to cut.

Conclusion:

Tangy baked ziti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich, cheesy flavor and crispy topping, baked ziti is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So, what are you waiting for? Give this tangy baked ziti recipe a try today!

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