If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, let me introduce you to baked ziti – a bubbling, cheesy Italian-American classic that always brings family and friends running to the table. This dish is pure joy: tender pasta tubes snuggled into a rich, savory meat sauce, layered with clouds of creamy ricotta, and topped with golden, melty mozzarella and a sprinkling of parmesan. Baked Ziti is perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for easy weeknight dinners, and there’s just something about its homey aroma rolling out of the oven that makes your kitchen feel absolutely magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baked Ziti shines thanks to its simple lineup of ingredients, each one bringing an essential flavor or texture. Gather these pantry and fridge staples, and let them work their magic together – you’ll be amazed by the results!
- Ziti Pasta: The backbone of this dish, ziti tubes catch all the sauce and melty cheese – don’t swap with spaghetti if you want the true experience!
- Italian Sausage or Ground Beef: Choose your favorite; sausage adds a sweet-spicy kick, while beef is classic and hearty.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing that onion and garlic, setting the flavor base on the right foot.
- Yellow Onion: Adds gentle sweetness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Because every good Italian-inspired dish needs a generous touch of garlicky depth.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand or a homemade batch for that bright tomato zing.
- Tomato Sauce: Thickens the sauce and boosts that comforting tomato richness.
- Dried Basil: This herb brings a sweet, slightly peppery aroma that instantly says “Italian.”
- Dried Oregano: Just a little for earthy, classic pizzeria-style flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer; don’t skip or skimp.
- Black Pepper: Adds warmth and rounds out the savory notes.
- Ricotta Cheese: For that dreamy, creamy middle layer that keeps bites soft and luscious.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta so it doesn’t ooze everywhere; a classic old-school trick.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gorgeous, stringy bites – the more, the merrier!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A final sprinkle for salty, nutty flavor (don’t skip this touch).
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Not just a garnish – it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.
How to Make Baked Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil – don’t be shy with the salt! Cook your ziti just until al dente; you want it a little firm since it will bake further in the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside; resist the urge to rinse, as a bit of clingy starch is perfect for helping sauces stick later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables
While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Toss in the sausage or ground beef and break it up as it browns – you want those savory crumbles in every bite. Once the meat is nicely browned, add the chopped onion and let it soften for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic for that last fragrant minute, letting your kitchen fill with impossibly good aromas.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Now the magic happens: stir in your marinara sauce, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes. This step melds all those bright, herby, and savory flavors, making your Baked Ziti sauce deeply satisfying.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese and the large egg. Give it a good mix until totally smooth and creamy – this luscious layer is the secret to ultra-creamy Baked Ziti, and the egg ensures it bakes up with just the right texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Grab a big bowl and toss the cooked ziti with half of the meat sauce, making sure every piece gets coated. Spread half of this mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop (then spread) all that ricotta goodness over the pasta, and top with half of the mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta and meat sauce on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and the parmesan. This layering method guarantees bites of creamy, gooey, cheesy heaven with perfectly flavored pasta throughout.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish snugly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes to let all those layers marry together and heat through. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is gorgeous, melty, and bubbling golden at the edges. It’s hard to resist diving in right away, but let your Baked Ziti cool for several minutes – doing so will make serving so much easier!
How to Serve Baked Ziti
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh, herby kick and gorgeous color. For an extra touch, feel free to sprinkle a bit more parmesan or a few ribbons of fresh basil across the top – both elevate the final presentation to something really special.
Side Dishes
Baked Ziti is famously hearty, but it pairs so well with a crisp Caesar salad, a pile of garlicky green beans, or a classic Italian chopped salad. Don’t forget the garlic bread or warm focaccia to help scoop up every saucy, cheesy bite left on your plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For fun, try serving Baked Ziti in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or spooning it into wide bowls topped with extra sauce and cheese for a rustic family-style feast. It also works beautifully as the centerpiece for a potluck, as it travels and reheats like a champ.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any Baked Ziti leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier lunches and dinners! Simply use an airtight container to keep everything fresh and protect those cheesy layers.
Freezing
Baked Ziti freezes fabulously, making it a go-to for busy weeks or surprise guests. Wrap the cooled (or fully assembled but unbaked) dish in foil, then again in plastic wrap, and stash it in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to label and date, so you can plan a delicious, stress-free meal down the road.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw your Baked Ziti overnight in the fridge if frozen. For best results, remove the plastic, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). A splash of extra marinara prevents drying out. Individual servings reheat quickly in the microwave – just be sure to cover with a damp paper towel for maximum moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta besides ziti?
Absolutely! While ziti is ideal for catching sauce, penne or rigatoni also work beautifully in Baked Ziti. Just avoid thinner shapes like spaghetti, which can lead to a mushy texture after baking.
What’s the best way to make Baked Ziti vegetarian?
Simply omit the meat and amp up the veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant are fantastic meatless swaps that add plenty of hearty texture and earthy flavor.
Can I assemble Baked Ziti in advance?
Yes! This is a brilliant make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time.
Is ricotta essential, or can I substitute?
Ricotta is classic for its creamy, slightly sweet flavor, but you can substitute cottage cheese in a pinch. Just drain it well to avoid excess moisture, and consider blending it smooth for the best texture.
How do I make my Baked Ziti extra cheesy?
No such thing as too much cheese! Add an extra layer of mozzarella in the middle and top your Baked Ziti with extra grated parmesan or even provolone slices before baking for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Baked Ziti is the kind of soul-satisfying, no-fuss meal that never fails to impress – and I truly can’t wait for you to try it in your own kitchen. Gather your loved ones, serve this bubbly, golden beauty, and watch the smiles spread around your table. Enjoy every bite!
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Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of ziti pasta, flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey melted mozzarella come together to create a hearty and cheesy casserole that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ziti Pasta:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Brown the Italian sausage or ground beef with onion and garlic. Add marinara sauce, tomato sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Make the cheese mixture: Combine ricotta cheese and egg.
- Assemble the dish: Toss cooked ziti with meat sauce. Layer pasta, ricotta mixture, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
