Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food, and when you combine it with the home-style cooking expertise of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, you know you’re in for a treat. This Baked Ziti Recipe Pioneer Woman style takes the traditional dish to the next level with a hearty combination of meats, a rich tomato sauce, and a generous amount of cheese. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both satisfying and relatively simple to make, look no further.
Pioneer Woman’s Baked Ziti
This isn’t just any baked ziti; it’s a Pioneer Woman recipe, which means it’s packed with flavor and made with real ingredients. Ree Drummond is known for her approachable and delicious recipes, perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Her version of baked ziti is no exception. It’s a meat lover’s delight featuring both ground beef and Italian sausage, enveloped in a flavorful tomato sauce and layered with not one, not two, but three types of cheese.
If you’re familiar with lasagna but sometimes shy away from the layering process, baked ziti is your answer. It offers all the comforting flavors of lasagna but in an easier, casserole-style format. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into what makes this Pioneer Woman baked ziti recipe so special and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Recipe Stand Out?
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has built a culinary empire on creating recipes that are both delicious and accessible. Her baked ziti recipe embodies this philosophy. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Double the Meat: Unlike some baked ziti recipes that rely solely on sausage or ground beef, this recipe uses both. This combination adds depth of flavor and a satisfying heartiness that meat lovers will adore.
- Triple Cheese Goodness: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful filling and topping. The combination ensures every bite is gooey and cheesy, just the way comfort food should be.
- Flavorful Sauce: While you can certainly use your favorite store-bought pasta sauce, using a good quality sauce is key. The original recipe even suggests Pioneer Woman’s own line of pasta sauces, highlighting the Rustic Bolognese for its homemade taste without the fuss.
- Simple and Straightforward: Despite its rich flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs. The steps are clear, and the ingredients are readily available.
baked ziti
Pioneer Woman’s Baked Ziti Recipe: Step-by-Step
Ready to make this incredible baked ziti recipe Pioneer Woman style? Here’s what you’ll need and how to put it all together:
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yields: 8-10 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta, uncooked (penne can be substituted)
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 jar (approximately 24-25 oz) Pioneer Woman Pasta Sauce (Rustic Bolognese recommended) or your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- 9×13 inch baking pan
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
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Brown the Meats: Add ground Italian sausage and lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break up the meats with a spoon and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess grease.
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Combine Sauce and Meat: Pour the jar of Pioneer Woman Pasta Sauce (or your chosen marinara) into the skillet with the cooked meats. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well until everything is thoroughly blended.
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Combine Pasta and Sauces: In the same large bowl you used for the cheese mixture (or another large bowl), add the drained pasta. Pour the meat and sauce mixture over the pasta and then add the ricotta cheese mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with both sauces.
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Assemble and Bake: Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the ziti is heated through.
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Serve: Let the baked ziti cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!
pioneer woman
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key for baked ziti. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
- Customize Your Meat: Feel free to adjust the ratio of ground beef to Italian sausage or use all of one type if you prefer. For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would work well in this recipe.
- Make Ahead: Baked ziti is a great dish to make ahead of time. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing Instructions: Baked ziti freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake as directed. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
pioneer woman rustic bolognese
Serving Suggestions
This Pioneer Woman baked ziti recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment to any pasta dish.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the ziti.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers add a healthy side dish.
- Caesar Salad: Another popular salad choice that complements Italian flavors.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman baked ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply craving a taste of Italian-American goodness, this recipe will not disappoint. Give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness that Ree Drummond brings to this classic dish. You’ll be coming back to this baked ziti recipe Pioneer Woman style again and again!
