Mexican ziti is a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting and familiar taste of ziti pasta. This fusion dish is perfect for those who love both Mexican and Italian food and are looking for a new and exciting recipe to try. With its creamy sauce, hearty meat, and flavorful spices, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we will dive into the details of how to make this mouth-watering dish and provide some helpful tips and tricks along the way.
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Onion, Garlic, Lean Ground Beef, Ground Italian
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food dish that has been a family favorite for generations. Made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and loads of cheese, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Here are 17 different Baked Ziti recipes that will have you craving this dish every night of the week.
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Classic Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Yellow Onion, Tomato Paste, Crushed
If you're looking for a traditional Baked Ziti recipe, look no further. This classic version includes ziti pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, and lots of mozzarella cheese. It's a simple and delicious dish that will remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food meal.
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Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Cooked Chicken, Alfredo Sauce, Shredded
For a twist on the classic Baked Ziti, try this Chicken Alfredo version. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and ziti pasta is a match made in heaven. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a dinner party. Serve it with a Caesar salad and a glass of wine for an elegant meal.
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Easy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Ground Beef, Marinara
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Baked Ziti, this easy recipe is for you. Made with just 5 ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Simply cook the pasta, mix in the sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. It's that easy!
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Grandma's Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Marinara Sauce, Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Shredded
Nothing beats a recipe passed down from your grandma, and this Baked Ziti is no exception. Made with love and all the best ingredients, this dish is a family favorite for a reason. With a rich and flavorful tomato sauce and layers of gooey cheese, this Baked Ziti will transport you back to your childhood with every bite.
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Cheesy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Salt, Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Bulk
If you're a cheese lover, this recipe is for you. With a combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheese, this Baked Ziti is a cheese lover's dream come true. The addition of Italian sausage adds a savory and spicy kick to the dish, making it even more irresistible. Serve with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate cheesy meal.
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4 Ingredient Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Ziti, Mozzarella Cheese
Yes, you read that right - this Baked Ziti only requires 4 ingredients! It's perfect for those days when you don't have a lot of time or ingredients on hand. All you need is ziti pasta, tomato sauce, ground beef, and mozzarella cheese. It's a simple and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
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Homemade Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Oregano, Thyme, Italian
Store-bought pasta sauce can be delicious, but there's nothing quite like a homemade sauce. This Baked Ziti recipe includes instructions for making your own tomato sauce from scratch, giving the dish a fresh and flavorful taste. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the sauce to your liking.
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Spinach Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Pasta, Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Shredded Mozzarella
Looking for a way to sneak some greens into your diet? Look no further than this Spinach Baked Ziti recipe. The addition of spinach adds a boost of nutrients and a pop of color to the dish. And don't worry, the spinach cooks down and blends in perfectly with the pasta and sauce, so even picky eaters won't notice it.
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Quick and Easy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ground Beef, Spaghetti Sauce, Ricotta Cheese
Sometimes you just need a quick and easy meal, and this Baked Ziti recipe delivers just that. With a total cook time of 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a homemade meal. The secret ingredient? A jar of your favorite pasta sauce, making this dish even easier to whip up.
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Meatless Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Garlic, Medium Onion
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, this Meatless Baked Ziti is sure to satisfy. Made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of three different cheeses, this dish is a delicious and hearty meal without any meat. You won't even miss it with all the delicious flavors and textures going on in this dish.
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SO EASY Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ricotta Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Grated Parmesan
When a recipe has "SO EASY" in the title, you know it's going to be a breeze to make. This Baked Ziti recipe is no exception. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this dish in the oven and ready to eat in no time. It's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
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The Very BEST Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Sausage Casings, Onion, Button Mushrooms, Garlic
This recipe claims to be the very best, and after trying it, we have to agree. Made with ziti pasta, ground beef, and a homemade tomato sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor. The addition of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes gives it a little extra kick, making it stand out from other Baked Ziti recipes.
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Baked Ziti With Meat
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Salt, Pepper, Onion
If you're a meat lover, this recipe is for you. Made with both Italian sausage and ground beef, this Baked Ziti is a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. The combination of the two meats adds a depth of flavor that is sure to impress. Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Mild Italian Sausage, Garlic, Dried Oregano
With a name like "Million Dollar," you know this Baked Ziti recipe is going to be good. And it is. Made with ziti pasta, a homemade tomato sauce, and a blend of three different cheeses, this dish is a flavor explosion. The addition of cream cheese adds a creamy and rich element that sets this Baked Ziti apart from the rest.
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Vegan Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Ziti, Firm Tofu, Extra Virgin
Just because you're vegan doesn't mean you can't enjoy a delicious Baked Ziti. This recipe uses vegan cheese and a homemade tomato sauce to create a vegan-friendly version of this classic dish. Even non-vegans will love the flavors and textures of this Vegan Baked Ziti.
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Baked Ziti Alfredo
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Ziti, Salt, Unsalted Butter
If you can't decide between Baked Ziti and Chicken Alfredo, this recipe combines the two for the best of both worlds. Made with ziti pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and tender chicken, this dish is a rich and indulgent option for a special occasion or a night when you're craving something extra delicious.
Ingredients
Pasta:
To make this Mexican ziti dish, you will need:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt for boiling water
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pasta
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the meat
1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef or chicken and season with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
4. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the sauce
1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Add in the enchilada sauce and salsa, stirring until well combined.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Mexican cheese blend until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the dish
1. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spoon half of the cooked ziti pasta onto the bottom.
2. Top with the cooked meat and spread it evenly.
3. Pour the sauce over the meat and spread it out.
4. Sprinkle the remaining ziti pasta on top and gently press down.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Add the toppings and serve
1. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and sliced black olives on top.
3. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Mexican ziti!
In conclusion, this recipe for Mexican ziti is a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of Mexican and Italian cuisine. With its combination of creamy sauce, hearty meat, and flavorful spices, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So why not spice up your pasta night with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe? Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
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