Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s practically the love language in my family. What is baked ziti? Think layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, a rich and savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and creamy black pepper. Is there a blanket of melted mozzarella? Is it easier to make than you might think, and it’s always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? I’m telling you, this baked ziti recipe is a total lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you can’t sleep at night. What do you need to put on your table when everyone is starving?
What is Baked Ziti?
Think of baked ziti as lasagna’s simpler, more laid-back cousin. What is a pasta bake? What is a tomato-based sauce? – mixed with ricotta for creaminess and then topped with mozzarella cheese for that glorious, creamy, tangy flavor. What is bubbly golden brown crust? It’s a classic Italian-American dish, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings or just for fun. The name “ziti” refers to pasta itself, and the “baked” part? How do we bring all those delicious layers together into one cohesive, comforting dish? What is happiness in a baking dish?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways! First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the savory meat sauce, the creamy ricotta, and the melty mozzarella creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. What I love most about this is how surprisingly simple it is to make. Seriously, it’s much less fussy than lasagna, and you don’t have to worry about perfectly layering everything. Just toss, mix, and bake! It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Pasta is cheap, ground meat is relatively affordable, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. Plus, it makes a huge batch, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for days. And speaking of leftovers, this baked ziti recipe is super versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables, cheeses, or sauces. Want to add some spinach or mushrooms? Go for it! Prefer a spicy sauce? Just add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. This is similar in comforting goodness to my Grandma’s spaghetti recipe, but it’s easier to put together for a weeknight dinner. It is truly a family favorite and is requested often.
How do I make Baked Ziti?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make baked ziti? We start by cooking the ziti pasta and browning some ground meat. While pasta is cooking, we’ll whip up a quick and flavorful meat sauce. How do I mix the pasta with the sauce and ricotta cheese? How do I layer everything in a baking dish, top it with mozzarella cheese, and bake it until it’s golden brown and crispy? Is bubbly and golden brown? The beauty of this method is its simplicity – it’s all about layering flavors and textures. What are some of the best comfort food recipes? Is it so easy to cook for a beginner?
Ingredients
For the Main Dish: What are some good ways
* 1 pound ziti pasta (I always use DeLallo because the texture is fantastic!)
* 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both – use what you love)!
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano are the best, if you can find them) * One (25-pound) bottle of crushed tomato (Amarillo) is recommended.
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk is the key to ultimate creaminess)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. What are the best ways to bake ziti? I usually do this right when I start prepping the ingredients so it’s ready to go whenever I need it.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. If you cook pasta in the oven, you want it to be slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside. Don’t overcook pasta, trust me, no one likes mushy ziti!
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet or pot, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. When beef is browned, break it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. When your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to combine. How do we meld together? This simmering time is crucial for developing a rich and flavorful sauce. I always sneak a taste at this point to adjust the seasonings!
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Mix well until everything is smooth. What is the best ricotta cheese to serve with ziti? The egg helps to bind everything together. Don’t skip this step!
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all the pasta is well coated with the sauce. This ensures every bite is full of flavor!
Step 7: Layer in the Baking Dish
What are some of the best ways to spread the pasta mixture into a baking dish? Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly. Top with mozzarella cheese. Then, spread the pasta mixture over the cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella. This layering technique creates a beautiful and delicious final product.
Step 8: Bake
If the cheese is melted and the top is crispy, bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Is golden brown? Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the cheese from burning. When the cheese is melted and the ziti is baked, it’s ready to eat!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove ziti from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut. Serve hot and enjoy! I usually serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for complete meal.
What to Serve It With
What are some good baked ziti recipes?For a casual dinner:A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the ziti. And don’t forget the garlic bread! What is a good garlic bread recipe? My family loves it when I add a side of steamed broccoli.For a potluck or party: A big bowl of Caesar salad is always a hit. Or, for something a little different, try a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Consider adding a platter of Italian cold cuts and cheeses for a true feast.
For a Special Occasion:Start with a classic appetizer like bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms. Serve the baked ziti alongside a roasted vegetable medley, like asparagus, carrots, and bell peppers. What is the best dessert to serve with Tiramisu? What is the best Thanksgiving dish?
How do you bake ziti?
How do I make baked ziti?Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to get mushy.
Sauce Secrets: Simmer the meat sauce for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will be.
Ricotta Rescue: Use whole milk ricotta cheese for the creamiest and most decadent results. Drain the ricotta cheese if it seems watery. You don’t want to end up with a watery ziti bake!
Cheese Choices: Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese melts the best. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. I also like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Baking Bliss: Cover the baking dish with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to get golden brown and bubbly.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little bit of heat. Or, stir in some chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Sometimes, I’ll add some chopped olives. It’s all about what you like.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Baked ziti is a great make-ahead dish, and it also stores well for leftovers.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving baked ziti at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating it. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezer Instructions: Baked ziti freezes beautifully! Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. Or, portion it into individual containers for easy reheating. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the baked ziti, it’s best to add the mozzarella cheese topping after thawing, just before baking. This will prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or rubbery during freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This baked ziti recipe is truly a labor of love, and I know your family will adore it as much as mine does! It’s the perfect combination of comforting flavors and textures, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal, this baked ziti recipe is a winner. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my lasagna soup recipe or my easy spaghetti carbonara. Both are family favorites! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! I’d love to see your creations, so feel free to share your photos on social media and tag me. And if you have any variations or tips of your own, please share them in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ways to make this dish even better.
baked ziti recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti Pasta
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce (24 oz)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and 0.25 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
