Cheesy Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Recipe for Family Feasts

Pioneer Woman’s baked ziti emerges as a culinary rockstar that transforms weeknight dinners into flavor-packed celebrations.

This hearty Italian-inspired dish weaves together luscious pasta, zesty marinara, and melted cheese in a symphony of comfort.

Robust seasonings whisper tales of home-cooked goodness, beckoning hungry families to the table.

Tender pasta nestles beneath a golden, bubbling cheese landscape that promises pure indulgence.

Meaty and rich, every forkful delivers a burst of soul-warming deliciousness that transcends ordinary meals.

The recipe marries simplicity with extraordinary taste, creating a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Let’s fall in love with this ultimate crowd-pleaser that turns ordinary moments into delectable memories.

Meal Prep and Storage Hacks for Baked Ziti

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover ziti in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cheesy goodness stays deliciously intact when sealed properly.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in freezer-safe containers. Frozen ziti maintains its flavor for 2-3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and keep that creamy texture perfectly intact.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then pop it directly into the oven when you're ready to enjoy a stress-free meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 8

Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a healthier dish with robust flavor.
• Italian Sausage: Look for fresh, high-quality sausage with balanced spice profile.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ricotta: Select fresh, high-moisture cheeses for creamy texture.
• Eggs: Pick large, farm-fresh eggs for binding and richness.
• Parsley: Opt for bright green, crisp herbs with vibrant aroma.

• Tomato Sauce: Select San Marzano tomatoes for authentic, sweet flavor.
• Whole Tomatoes: Choose canned tomatoes without added preservatives.
• Garlic, Onion: Select firm, fragrant bulbs with no soft spots.
• Italian Seasoning: Use dried herb blend for consistent flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add for subtle heat and depth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground for maximum flavor.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for rich, smooth base.

What to Use in the Kitchen for Baked Ziti

• Large Pot: Perfect for sautéing aromatics and simmering rich sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for blending cheese and preparing the creamy mixture.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Baking Tray: Provides the perfect canvas for layering your ziti masterpiece.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping parsley with ease.
• Cutting Board: Gives you a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, fluffy cheese for the ultimate texture.
• Oven Mitts: Protects your hands when handling hot baking trays.

Cooking Baked Ziti Made Simple

• Fire Up the Oven

Ignite your oven to a sizzling 375°F, priming the stage for a culinary adventure that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Awaken the Flavor Base

Drizzle olive oil into a hefty pot and toss in minced garlic and diced onions. Let them sizzle and transform into a fragrant melody of deliciousness, softening until they whisper sweet aromas.

• Brown the Protein Stars

Introduce ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden-brown crust. Drain excess fat to keep the dish light and vibrant.

• Craft the Sauce Symphony

Pour in tomato sauce, whole tomatoes, and a harmony of seasonings. Let the mixture simmer and meld, creating a rich and robust sauce that’ll make your kitchen smell like an Italian grandmother’s dream.

• Create the Cheesy Fusion

Blend mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan with fresh parsley and eggs. This creamy mixture will become the soul of your dish, binding pasta and sauce into a comforting embrace.

• Assemble the Masterpiece

Combine pasta with the cheese blend and cooled sauce. Layer the mixture in a baking dish, alternating between pasta, sauce, and a generous shower of mozzarella. Each layer tells a story of flavor and love.

• Bake and Transform

Slide the dish into the preheated oven, letting heat work its magic for 20 minutes. After baking, let it rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and intensify.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve alongside a crisp salad and crusty bread for a meal that celebrates comfort and connection.

Tips to Switch Up Your Baked Ziti Flavor

• Swap Out Meats: Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein twist that keeps the flavors bold and exciting.
• Make It Spicy: Dial up the heat by adding extra red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to give your ziti a fiery kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Cheese Play: Customize your cheese blend by mixing in creamy goat cheese, sharp provolone, or a sprinkle of smoked mozzarella to create a unique flavor profile that makes this dish your own signature creation.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by stirring in roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped spinach during the sauce-making process, transforming this classic comfort food into a more wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Baked Ziti: Plating and Serving Suggestions

• Serve Up a Crowd-Pleasing Feast: This hearty ziti dish is perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
• Pair with Fresh Greens: Toss a crisp mixed salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta. The fresh greens will add a bright contrast to the warm, comforting casserole.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Include crusty Italian bread or garlic bread on the side. These perfect dipping companions will help soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
• Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. These Italian wines complement the robust flavors of the meat and tomato sauce beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknight meals or entertaining guests.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic Italian-American baked ziti promises hearty comfort with layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheeses. Home cooks appreciate this simple, satisfying casserole that delivers warmth and flavor in each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage
• 1 lb (454 g) ziti or mostaccioli
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) mozzarella, grated
• 15 oz (425 g) whole-milk ricotta
• ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan
• 2 28-oz (794 g) cans whole tomatoes with juice
• 2 14.5-oz (822 g) cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley, plus more for sprinkling
• 2 tsps (10 ml) Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) red pepper flakes
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté garlic and onions until translucent. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, browning meat completely and draining excess fat.
2. Sauce Development: Incorporate tomato sauce, whole tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer sauce for 25-30 minutes to intensify flavors, then set aside portion to cool.
3. Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water and cook ziti until just before al dente, maintaining slight firmness. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process.
4. Cheese Mixture: Blend mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Fold cooked pasta into cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Assembly and Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Layer pasta-cheese blend in baking dish, alternating with reserved sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
6. Serving: Allow ziti to rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose high-quality ground beef and Italian sausage with balanced fat content for maximum flavor depth and juiciness.
• Sauce Simmering Secrets: Allow sauce to develop rich flavors by slow-cooking, which concentrates tomato sweetness and melds seasonings perfectly.
• Pasta Perfection Technique: Cook ziti slightly under al dente, as it continues cooking during baking, preventing mushy texture and maintaining ideal pasta consistency.
• Cheese Blend Balance: Mix cheeses thoroughly and evenly distribute throughout pasta to ensure each bite contains creamy, melted goodness without clumping.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg