Are you ready to take your pasta game to the next level? Our Ragu No Boiling Beefy Baked Ziti is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe saves you time by skipping the boiling step, making it both convenient and incredibly tasty. With its rich, meaty sauce and perfectly baked ziti, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
For this delightful Ragu No Boiling Beefy Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a mouth-watering Ragu No Boiling Beefy Baked Ziti:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and water to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Mix the Cheeses
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, add a layer of uncooked ziti pasta. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer. Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, followed by pasta, ricotta mixture, and cheeses.
Step 5: Bake the Ziti
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to cut into servings. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this no-boil baked ziti!
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Freezing: This baked ziti freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour, or until heated through.
- Customize the Meat: Feel free to use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for a more complex flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used as a leaner alternative.
Variations
- No-Boil Baked Ziti Kosher: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, use kosher cheeses, and ensure your marinara sauce is kosher-certified.
- No-Boil Baked Penne: Swap the ziti pasta for penne or any other short pasta shape for a different texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 1120mg
Conclusion
Our Ragu No Boiling Beefy Baked Ziti is a game-changer for busy weeknights or special family dinners. The no-boil method simplifies the cooking process without compromising on flavor, delivering a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself.