I’m bringing back the nostalgia with San Giorgio Ziti, just like my grandmother used to make from the box. 🔥 This classic recipe is a staple for weeknight dinners, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: perfectly cooked ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses. I start by boiling the San Giorgio ziti until al dente, then top it with a hearty meat sauce and a generous helping of mozzarella and parmesan.
By the time it comes out of the oven, the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the pasta is coated in that savory meat sauce. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an authentic touch. Enjoy your delicious San Giorgio Ziti!
Ingredients for san giorgio ziti recipe on box
Here’s everything you need for classic San Giorgio Ziti, just like grandma used to make.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| San Giorgio Ziti Pasta 🍝 | 1 lb | Boxed ziti pasta |
| Ground Beef 🥩 | 1 lb | 80/20 for rich flavor |
| Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Finely chopped |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Marinara Sauce 🍅 | 2 cups | Homemade or jarred |
| Mozzarella Cheese 🧀 | 8 oz | Shredded, whole milk |
| Parmesan Cheese 🧀 | 1 cup | Grated, aged Parmigiano |
| Olive Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | For browning meat |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher salt preferred |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Fresh Parsley 🌿 | ¼ cup | Chopped, for garnish |
Find San Giorgio ziti pasta at most grocery stores or online. For the best flavor, choose high-quality ground beef and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Use whole milk mozzarella for the creamiest results. You can make your own marinara sauce or use a trusted jarred brand like Rao's or Prego.
If you prefer ground turkey or sausage, feel free to substitute. For a vegetarian version, sautéed mushrooms or eggplant add depth. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—pre-minced jarred garlic can be too strong. If using jarred sauce, look for low-sodium options to control salt content.
Store leftover ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months for quick future meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions for San Giorgio Ziti
Let’s cook this classic San Giorgio Ziti recipe together, just like the box instructions, but with a few expert tweaks.
👨🍳 Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Soften Onions
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked, with no pink remaining.
Add 1 finely chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The onions should be fragrant and blend into the meat mixture seamlessly.
👨🍳 Step 2: Add Garlic and Marinara Sauce
Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should be fragrant and aromatic, adding depth to the sauce.
Pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce and stir to combine with the meat mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with 1 tsp of kosher salt and 0.5 tsp of freshly ground black pepper to taste.
🍳 Step 3: Cook the San Giorgio Ziti Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 1 lb of San Giorgio Ziti Pasta according to the box instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the ziti. This starchy water will help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Check the pasta frequently towards the end of cooking time to avoid overcooking. The ziti should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain and set aside, ready to be combined with the sauce.
🥘 Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl or the pot you cooked the pasta in, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce mixture, and reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy, well-coated consistency. Mix well to distribute the sauce evenly.
Transfer the sauced ziti to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with 8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese should be evenly distributed and cover the top of the ziti.
🔥 Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. You may need to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve the perfect golden crust.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with 0.25 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herbaceous note. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious San Giorgio Ziti!
The San Giorgio ziti recipe on box is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser 🍝. To make this delicious pasta bake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: San Giorgio ziti pasta, ground beef or sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Preparing the Ingredients ⏰
Start by cooking the San Giorgio ziti pasta according to the box instructions until it’s al dente. While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef or sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Assembling the Dish 🍳
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and browned ground beef or sausage. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, create a layer of the pasta mixture, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, and finally a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
Some helpful tips to keep in mind: use high-quality ingredients like fresh ricotta cheese and good-quality marinara sauce to get the best flavor out of your dish. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or sliced olives.
- 💡 Use lean ground beef or sausage to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- 🌡️ Make sure to cover the dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking phase to prevent the cheese from burning.
This classic San Giorgio ziti recipe on box is sure to become a family favorite, and it’s easy to see why it’s a staple of Italian-American cuisine. With its rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect San Giorgio Ziti
These expert tips will help you elevate your San Giorgio Ziti from box instructions to a delicious, satisfying meal.
Browning the Beef: In Step 1, make sure to break up the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even browning and prevents clumps in your final dish. For an extra-rich flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. 🔥
Cooking Pasta to Perfection: When cooking the ziti in Step 3, check the pasta frequently towards the end of the cooking time. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining – this starchy water helps create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
Cheesy Topping: In Step 4, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for the perfect melty topping. For an extra-golden crust, mix in some breadcrumbs with the cheese before baking.
Baking to Golden Brown: When baking in Step 5, keep an eye on the cheese topping. If it’s browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning. For an extra-crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking – watch closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition Facts
420kcal
Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
- Hamburgers in Sauce Recipe Crock Pot: Slow-Cooked Savory Delight - October 3, 2026
- Sanjeev Kapoor Egg Biryani Recipe: Fragrant Spiced Rice With Boiled Eggs - October 3, 2026
- Recipe for French Pork Spread Gorton: Savory Gallic Flavors in a Spreadable Delight - October 3, 2026