There’s something endlessly comforting about baked ziti. Picture a cold, rainy evening when all you crave is a hearty, cheesy meal that fills the house with the rich aromas of Italian herbs, tangy tomatoes, and bubbling cheese. Baked ziti is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, sparking conversations and making memories. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck with friends, or a quiet dinner at home, this baked ziti captures the heart of home-cooked meals. It’s simple to make, satisfyingly delicious, and an all-around crowd-pleaser.
Baked ziti is loved for its layers of flavors—tender pasta, a well-seasoned tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with Italian-American roots that make it feel both familiar and universally appealing. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to make a classic dish that warms the soul and fills the home with the irresistible scent of a home-cooked Italian feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: It’s a meal everyone enjoys, from picky eaters to culinary adventurers.
- Simple Yet Satisfying: With accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners but delicious enough for special occasions.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making the leftovers even tastier.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep, you can assemble it ahead and bake when needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Baked Ziti
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
Start by warming up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This base is what gives the sauce its savory depth.Next, add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. As it simmers, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. The sauce should be rich, thick, and wonderfully aromatic.
- Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow package instructions, but aim to undercook the pasta slightly by a minute or two, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside. - Preheat the Oven and Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now comes the fun part—layering! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the sauce, stirring until the ziti is well coated. - Layer the Ingredients
Spread half of the sauced pasta into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta, spreading it gently. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Then, add the remaining pasta, pour the rest of the sauce over it, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. - Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving. - Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note. Scoop out portions of this gooey, saucy, and utterly delicious baked ziti and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Grating your own cheese, especially Parmesan, results in a creamier, meltier finish than pre-shredded cheese.
- Undercook the Pasta: Just a bit! It will absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Make it Your Own: Add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more flavor and nutrition.
- Freezing Tips: If you want to freeze it, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Traditional, adaptable for various diets
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the cheese quantities to your liking for a cheesier or lighter dish.
- For an extra creamy twist, add a bit more ricotta, or mix some heavy cream into the sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 530 kcal
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ziti, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for meal prep or busy evenings.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, if you don’t have ziti on hand, penne or rigatoni work wonderfully. Just be sure to slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to soften while baking.
What’s the best way to reheat baked ziti?
For the best results, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of water or sauce if it seems a bit dry, and cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
Baked ziti is a timeless dish with a charm all its own. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe is bound to bring comfort and joy to the table. The combination of savory sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta is irresistibly cozy and satisfying. Enjoy every gooey, delicious bite!
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Cozy Baked Ziti Recipe
Description
There’s something endlessly comforting about baked ziti. Picture a cold, rainy evening when all you crave is a hearty, cheesy meal that fills the house with the rich aromas of Italian herbs, tangy tomatoes, and bubbling cheese. Baked ziti is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, sparking conversations and making memories. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck with friends, or a quiet dinner at home, this baked ziti captures the heart of home-cooked meals. It’s simple to make, satisfyingly delicious, and an all-around crowd-pleaser.
Baked ziti is loved for its layers of flavors—tender pasta, a well-seasoned tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with Italian-American roots that make it feel both familiar and universally appealing. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to make a classic dish that warms the soul and fills the home with the irresistible scent of a home-cooked Italian feast.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
Start by warming up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This base is what gives the sauce its savory depth.Next, add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. As it simmers, taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. The sauce should be rich, thick, and wonderfully aromatic. - Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow package instructions, but aim to undercook the pasta slightly by a minute or two, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside. - Preheat the Oven and Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now comes the fun part—layering! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the sauce, stirring until the ziti is well coated. - Layer the Ingredients
Spread half of the sauced pasta into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta, spreading it gently. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Then, add the remaining pasta, pour the rest of the sauce over it, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. - Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to set before serving. - Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note. Scoop out portions of this gooey, saucy, and utterly delicious baked ziti and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the cheese quantities to your liking for a cheesier or lighter dish.
- For an extra creamy twist, add a bit more ricotta, or mix some heavy cream into the sauce.