If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Baked Ziti recipe is it! Whether you’re feeding a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe delivers all the cozy vibes you crave. Layers of tender ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese—what’s not to love?
Baked Ziti Recipe has always held a special place in my kitchen—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. It’s not just delicious but incredibly easy to make! So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this classic dish that’s destined to become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick prep time and a total bake time under 45 minutes make this a go-to for weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Assemble ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
- Customizable: Use sausage, beef, or keep it vegetarian. Plus, endless options for add-ins!
What Does Baked Ziti Recipe Taste Like?
Picture this: al dente pasta soaked in a savory marinara-meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella. The top bakes into a golden, bubbly perfection, giving it that satisfying crunch with every bite. Each mouthful bursts with the comforting flavors of garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and rich tomato sauce. It’s like lasagna’s simpler but equally delicious cousin!
Health Benefits of Baked Ziti
While indulgent, this dish offers:
- Protein Boost: From the ground beef or sausage and cheese.
- Calcium-Rich: Thanks to mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta.
- Easily Balanced Meal: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make the most flavorful baked ziti:
- Ziti Pasta: The star of the show—cooked al dente.
- Ground Beef or Sausage: For a rich and meaty flavor (you can also use turkey or plant-based crumbles).
- Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade. Use your favorite!
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty finishing touch.
- Onion & Garlic: Aromatic base for the meat sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for that classic flavor.
- Fresh Basil (Optional): For a pop of color and freshness.
Tools You’ll Need
- A large pot for boiling pasta.
- A sauté pan for cooking the meat sauce.
- A 9×13-inch baking dish for layering and baking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
One of the best things about baked ziti Baked Ziti Recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your dish:
- Add Veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try provolone or a sprinkle of asiago.
- Go Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on roasted veggies instead.
How to Make Baked Ziti
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti until al dente (a minute or two less than the package suggests). Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Brown the Meat
Add your ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
5. Combine the Sauce
Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Assemble the Ziti
In your prepared baking dish:
- Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom.
- Spoon half the meat sauce over the pasta.
- Add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake the ziti uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. The smell will be incredible!
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil if desired, and serve hot!
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp side balances the richness of the ziti.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans pair beautifully.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overboil it!
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well due to added anti-caking agents.
- Double the Recipe: Make one for now and freeze the other for later!
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Assemble the ziti (but don’t bake it!) and freeze it, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheat
Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and add hearty veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to the sauce.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
While both are layered pasta dishes, ziti is quicker to prepare since there’s no need to pre-cook or layer lasagna noodles. Plus, it’s a bit less structured and easier to assemble!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes for ziti.
Wrap-Up
And there you have it—cheesy, comforting baked ziti that’s easy to make and impossible to resist! Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a potluck, this dish never fails to wow. It’s a recipe full of love, warmth, and flavor that you’ll return to again and again.
Let me know how it turns out for you—leave a review below or tag me on Pinterest with your ziti creations!
If you loved this baked ziti recipe, you’ll also enjoy Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce or try the creamy comfort of the Swedish Meatball Noodle Bake. Happy cooking!
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The Best Baked Ziti Recipe: Cheesy, Comforting, and Irresistible
Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Baked Ziti recipe is it! Layers of tender ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in this classic dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this baked ziti will become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
- Add dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the ziti up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to the sauce.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Pasta Substitute: Penne or rigatoni can be used in place of ziti for a similar result.
- Extra Cheesy: For an even cheesier bake, increase the mozzarella to 3 cups and the ricotta to 1 1/2 cups.