20 Southern Living Baked Ziti Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
The southern living baked ziti recipe is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by families and friends for generations. This hearty and comforting meal is a staple in many households and is perfect for any occasion. With its layers of melted cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and al dente pasta, this baked ziti will surely become a favorite in your household as well. But what makes this recipe stand out from the rest? Let's take a closer look at the key ingredients and steps to creating the perfect southern living baked ziti.
Main Ingredients: Marinara Sauce, Ziti, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that features layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and tomato sauce. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy night in. There are countless variations of this dish, but here are 17 of the best beer can chicken recipes to add some unique flavor to your baked ziti.
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Classic Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Yellow Onion, Tomato Paste, Crushed
The first recipe on our list is a classic baked ziti dish that will satisfy any craving for comfort food. It features layers of ziti pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheese. The dish is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a delicious meal.
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Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Cooked Chicken, Alfredo Sauce, Shredded
This recipe takes a twist on the classic dish by adding a creamy and indulgent alfredo sauce to the mix. The chicken is cooked in a beer can for added flavor and moisture, and then combined with the alfredo sauce, ziti pasta, and cheese. The result is a rich and decadent baked ziti that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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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 a delicious meal, this easy baked ziti recipe is for you. It uses store-bought marinara sauce and pre-cooked chicken to cut down on prep time. Simply layer the ingredients and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown. It's a no-fuss meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
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Grandma's Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Marinara Sauce, Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Shredded
There's nothing quite like a home-cooked meal from grandma, and this baked ziti recipe is sure to bring back memories of family dinners. The secret ingredient in this recipe is a touch of Italian sausage for added flavor. Combined with the ziti, tomato sauce, and cheese, it's a recipe that will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
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Cheesy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Salt, Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Bulk
This recipe takes the classic baked ziti to the next level by adding three types of cheese: mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar. The combination of these cheeses creates a gooey and irresistible dish that is perfect for cheese lovers. And of course, don't forget to use a beer can to cook the chicken for added flavor.
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4 Ingredient Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Ziti, Mozzarella Cheese
If you're looking for a simple and budget-friendly meal, this 4 ingredient baked ziti is the way to go. It only requires ziti pasta, tomato sauce, chicken, and cheese. You can even use pre-cooked chicken to save on time. It's a quick and easy recipe that doesn't skimp on flavor.
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Quick and Easy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ground Beef, Spaghetti Sauce, Ricotta Cheese
Another quick and easy baked ziti recipe, this one uses a store-bought rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with the ziti, tomato sauce, and cheese. It's a perfect weeknight meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
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Homemade Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Oregano, Thyme, Italian
If you prefer to make everything from scratch, this homemade baked ziti recipe is for you. It features a homemade tomato sauce that is simmered with herbs and spices for maximum flavor. The chicken is cooked in a beer can for added moisture, and the dish is topped with a homemade breadcrumb and parmesan cheese topping for added crunch.
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SO EASY Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ricotta Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Grated Parmesan
As the name suggests, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. It uses a store-bought tomato sauce and pre-cooked chicken for convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The dish is then topped with a generous amount of cheese and baked until golden brown and bubbly.
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Spinach Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Pasta, Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Shredded Mozzarella
This recipe adds some green to the classic dish by incorporating spinach into the mix. The spinach adds a healthy boost of nutrients and a delicious flavor to the ziti. It's a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters.
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The Very BEST Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Sausage Casings, Onion, Button Mushrooms, Garlic
This recipe truly lives up to its name - it's the very best baked ziti you'll ever taste. The secret ingredient in this recipe is a touch of red wine, which adds a depth of flavor to the dish. The chicken is cooked in a beer can and then combined with the ziti, red wine sauce, and cheese for a mouthwatering meal.
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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 recipe is a must-try. It features a blend of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty and flavorful dish. The chicken is replaced with tofu for added protein, and the dish is topped with a generous amount of cheese.
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Baked Ziti Alfredo
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Ziti, Salt, Unsalted Butter
This recipe combines the indulgent flavors of alfredo sauce with the comforting flavors of baked ziti. The chicken is cooked in a beer can for added flavor and moisture, and then combined with the alfredo sauce, ziti pasta, and a blend of three different cheeses. It's a decadent and delicious twist on a classic dish.
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Vegan Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Ziti, Firm Tofu, Extra Virgin
For our vegan friends, this recipe is a must-try. It uses a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh to replace the chicken and a vegan cheese alternative for the topping. The result is a delicious and satisfying baked ziti that is completely animal product-free.
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Baked Ziti With Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Marinara Sauce, Beef Meatballs, Cremini
If you're a fan of meatballs, you'll love this recipe that combines them with baked ziti. The meatballs are cooked in the oven along with the ziti and then combined with tomato sauce and cheese for a hearty and flavorful meal. Serve with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Baked Ziti with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Minced Garlic, Plum Tomatoes
And last but not least, we have another classic baked ziti recipe that features chicken cooked in a beer can for added flavor. This recipe is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional flavor profile and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Baked Ziti
Pasta
The first key ingredient in the southern living baked ziti recipe is, of course, the pasta. Traditional ziti pasta is used in this recipe, which is a tube-shaped pasta that resembles a penne. However, feel free to experiment with different types of pasta such as rigatoni or even penne if that's what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook the pasta to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Meat Sauce
The next crucial component of this dish is the rich and flavorful meat sauce. Ground beef or Italian sausage is typically used in this recipe, but you can also use a combination of both for added flavor. To make the sauce, sauté the meat with some onions and garlic until it is browned and cooked through. Then, add in some diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs like oregano and basil to create a deliciously tangy and savory sauce.
Cheese
No baked ziti is complete without a generous amount of melted cheese. Ricotta cheese is traditionally used in this recipe, but you can also use cottage cheese for a healthier alternative. To add some extra creaminess, mix in some shredded mozzarella cheese as well. Layer the cheese in between the pasta and sauce for a deliciously cheesy and gooey dish.
Steps to Creating the Perfect Southern Living Baked Ziti
Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Remember to cook it to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the meat sauce. Sauté the ground beef or Italian sausage with some onions and garlic until it is browned and cooked through. Then, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Layer the Ingredients
In a large baking dish, start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, add a layer of pasta on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used up, making sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.
Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving it to your family and friends.
In conclusion, the southern living baked ziti recipe is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. With its layers of melted cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and al dente pasta, it is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it has been a favorite for generations?
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