Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that screams comfort food. If you’re a fan of lasagna but sometimes shy away from the layering process, then Baked Ziti is your answer. It delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness in a simple casserole format. Packed with a flavorful tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a generous amount of melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Today, we’re diving into the famous Pioneer Woman’s version of baked ziti. For those unfamiliar, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is a beloved blogger and Food Network star known for her approachable and delicious ranch-style cooking. Her recipes are known for being hearty, flavorful, and easy to follow – perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This baked ziti recipe is no exception!
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s the double meat combination and the triple cheese blend that elevates it from simple to spectacular. It’s a meat lover’s paradise and a cheese enthusiast’s dream.
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is essentially a baked pasta dish, similar to lasagna but using ziti pasta instead of lasagna noodles, and without the need for meticulous layering. Ziti pasta, tube-shaped pasta, is traditionally used, but penne can also be substituted effectively if needed. In Italian, it’s known as “ziti al forno,” directly translating to “baked ziti.” This casserole-style dish is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, celebrated for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or potlucks.
Pioneer Woman’s Baked Ziti casserole dish, showcasing the melted cheese topping and bubbly sauce.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Baked Ziti is a Must-Try
Ree Drummond’s recipes are popular for a reason – they are packed with flavor and designed for real-life cooking. Her baked ziti recipe takes the classic comfort dish and amps it up with a generous amount of meat and cheese, creating a truly satisfying and indulgent meal. Using readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, the Pioneer Woman’s touch guarantees a dish that’s both rustic and incredibly delicious, embodying the heart of Italian-American comfort food. Her recipe also incorporates her line of pasta sauces, adding a layer of convenience without sacrificing homemade taste.
For this recipe, Pioneer Woman recommends her Rustic Bolognese sauce, which adds a rich and deep flavor profile to the ziti. Her pasta sauce line includes varieties such as Marinara, Italian Sausage & Peppers, Four Cheese, and Garden Vegetable, offering options to customize your baked ziti to your preference. However, the Rustic Bolognese complements the double meat in this recipe beautifully, creating a harmonious and robust flavor.
Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Recipe
This recipe is a meat lover’s dream, featuring both ground beef and Italian sausage for a deeply savory base. The combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses creates a creamy, melty, and flavorful cheese pull that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti Pasta, Uncooked
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Chopped Onions
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Jar (Your choice, ideally Rustic Bolognese) PIONEER WOMAN Pasta Sauce
- 1 Egg
- 1 15oz container Ricotta Cheese
- 1 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman's Baked Ziti ingredients, including pasta, sauces, cheeses, and meats laid out for preparation.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Add ground Italian sausage and lean ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break up the meats and cook until evenly browned, stirring occasionally. Drain off any excess grease.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the egg, ricotta cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, meat sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese mixture. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a 13×9-inch baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
- Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook it al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Sauce it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of pasta sauce to your liking. If you prefer a saucier ziti, use a bit more sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano can add unique flavors.
- Make it Ahead: Baked ziti is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble it and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve baked ziti with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also delicious on its own!
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman’s Baked Ziti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of Italian-American comfort food. With its rich meat sauce, cheesy layers, and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up a hearty and delicious meal. Give this recipe a try and experience the comforting flavors of Pioneer Woman’s kitchen in your own home. Enjoy!
