15 Southern Style Baked Ziti Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Apr 27, 2024
Baked ziti is a classic dish that is beloved by many, and it's no wonder why: it's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. While there are many variations of this dish, one that stands out is the Southern style baked ziti recipe. With a combination of bold flavors and simple ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, let's take a look at how to make this delicious southern style baked ziti.
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Onion, Garlic, Lean Ground Beef, Ground Italian
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that has become a go-to comfort food for many. It's a hearty and delicious pasta dish that combines ziti noodles, tomato sauce, and melted cheese for a satisfying and flavorful meal. While the basic recipe for baked ziti is simple, there are endless variations and additions that can take this dish to the next level. Here are 17 mouth-watering baked ziti recipes that you need to try.
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Classic Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Yellow Onion, Tomato Paste, Crushed
The classic baked ziti recipe is a tried and true favorite. It consists of ziti noodles, marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The dish is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a gooey and delicious layer on top of the ziti. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
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Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Cooked Chicken, Alfredo Sauce, Shredded
For a twist on the classic baked ziti recipe, try adding some chicken and Alfredo sauce. This recipe takes the creamy and rich flavors of chicken Alfredo and combines it with the heartiness of baked ziti. The result is a decadent and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
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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 craving the deliciousness of baked ziti, this easy recipe is for you. It uses store-bought marinara sauce and pre-cooked ziti noodles for a quick and fuss-free meal. Simply combine the ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven for a no-fuss dinner option. This recipe is great for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd.
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Grandma's Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Marinara Sauce, Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Shredded
There's nothing quite like the taste of a home-cooked meal, especially when it comes from Grandma's recipe book. This baked ziti recipe is a classic and has been passed down for generations. It's a simple and delicious combination of ziti noodles, homemade marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Cheesy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Salt, Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Bulk
For all the cheese lovers out there, this recipe is a dream come true. It takes the classic baked ziti recipe and adds even more cheese to the mix. The result is a gooey, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious dish that is perfect for indulging after a long day. Use a variety of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for the ultimate cheesy experience.
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4 Ingredient Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Ziti, Mozzarella Cheese
If you're looking for a super simple and budget-friendly recipe, this 4 ingredient baked ziti is for you. All you need is ziti noodles, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This recipe is great for college students or anyone on a budget.
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Quick and Easy Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ground Beef, Spaghetti Sauce, Ricotta Cheese
For a quick and easy version of baked ziti, try this recipe that uses pre-made ravioli instead of ziti noodles. The result is a delicious and filling meal that takes minimal effort to make. You can use any type of ravioli you like, such as spinach and ricotta or meat filled. Top it off with some fresh basil for a burst of freshness.
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Homemade Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Oregano, Thyme, Italian
For those who prefer to make everything from scratch, this homemade baked ziti recipe is a must-try. It uses homemade marinara sauce and a blend of three types of cheese for an incredibly flavorful and rich dish. While it may take a bit more time and effort, the end result is well worth it. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
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SO EASY Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Ricotta Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Grated Parmesan
As the name suggests, this baked ziti recipe is incredibly easy to make. It uses pre-made pasta sauce and frozen meatballs for a quick and convenient meal. If you have leftover meatballs from a previous meal, this is a great way to use them up. Add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for some extra veggie goodness.
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The Very BEST Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Sausage Casings, Onion, Button Mushrooms, Garlic
If you're looking for a baked ziti recipe that will blow your taste buds away, this is the one. It combines all the best flavors of traditional Italian cuisine, including sausage, Italian sauce, and a blend of three cheeses. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Spinach Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Pasta, Ricotta Cheese, Eggs, Shredded Mozzarella
For a healthier version of baked ziti, try this recipe that incorporates spinach into the dish. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients to the dish, making it a well-rounded meal. You can use fresh or frozen spinach, whichever is more convenient for you. Add some sliced olives for an extra burst of flavor.
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Meatless Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Plum Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Garlic, Medium Onion
For all the vegetarians out there, this meatless baked ziti recipe is a must-try. It uses a combination of mushrooms and zucchini as the main protein source, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. The addition of fresh basil and crushed red pepper gives this dish a burst of flavor that will have you forgetting about meat altogether.
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Baked Ziti With Meat
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Italian Sausage, Salt, Pepper, Onion
On the other hand, if you're a meat lover, this recipe is for you. It combines ground beef and Italian sausage with ziti noodles and marinara sauce for a hearty and delicious meal. Top it off with a generous sprinkling of Italian seasoning and fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color.
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Mild Italian Sausage, Garlic, Dried Oregano
This baked ziti recipe is sure to impress and is worth every penny. It combines the classic flavors of ziti noodles, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, but takes it to the next level with the addition of cream cheese. This creates a creamy and rich texture that will have you feeling like a million bucks. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate indulgence.
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Baked Ziti Alfredo
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Ziti, Salt, Unsalted Butter
For those who can't decide between baked ziti and chicken Alfredo, this recipe is the perfect compromise. It combines the best of both worlds by layering ziti noodles, Alfredo sauce, and chicken for a creamy and savory dish. Top it off with some shredded mozzarella and fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
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Vegan Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Ziti, Firm Tofu, Extra Virgin
Last but not least, for our vegan friends, this baked ziti recipe is a must-try. It uses vegan cheese and a delicious blend of spices and seasonings to create a mouth-watering dish that is completely plant-based. You won't even miss the meat or dairy in this flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.
The Ingredients You'll Need
Baked ziti is all about layering flavors, and the ingredients you choose play a crucial role in the final dish. For this southern style recipe, you'll need the following:
Ziti pasta: This is the star of the show and the base of the dish. Its tubular shape allows it to hold onto all the delicious flavors.
Ground beef: A staple in Southern cooking, ground beef adds richness and depth to the dish.
Onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients add a savory and sweet element to the dish.
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These provide the base for the sauce and add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme bring a burst of flavor to the dish.
Ricotta cheese: A creamy and slightly tangy cheese that helps bind the dish together.
Mozzarella cheese: This adds a gooey, cheesy layer to the top of the dish.
The Method for Making Southern Style Baked Ziti
The key to making a delicious southern style baked ziti is in the layering and baking process. Here's how to put it all together:
Start by cooking the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a separate pan, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the ground beef mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Now, it's time to layer the dish. Start with a layer of the ground beef mixture, followed by a layer of ziti, and then a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This southern style baked ziti recipe is not only delicious, but it's also a great dish to make ahead of time and freeze for later. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. So, next time you're in the mood for some comfort food, give this recipe a try and see why it's a favorite in the South.