When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, nothing beats the ultimate baked ziti. Layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and savory meat come together to create a dish that’s pure magic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This baked ziti is everything you love about Italian-American comfort food. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. The layers of pasta and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection make it irresistibly satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, freeze, or customize to your taste!
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:
- Ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan
- Garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning
Full details and measurements are in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg, a handful of Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Layer the dish: Start with a layer of sauce, followed by pasta, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta will finish cooking in the oven and stay perfectly tender.
- Use fresh mozzarella: It melts better and adds a creamy texture to the dish.
- Let it rest: Allow the baked ziti to sit for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian version: Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Extra cheesy: Add a layer of provolone for even more gooey goodness.
- Spicy kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this baked ziti with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon makes the perfect drink pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through or microwave in individual portions. Baked ziti also freezes beautifully—just cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ziti and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
2. What’s the best type of pasta to use?
Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni works just as well.
3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely. Choose a high-quality marinara for the best flavor.
4. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion
The ultimate baked ziti is the perfect dish for comfort food lovers. It’s cozy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a make-ahead freezer meal, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to dig into cheesy, pasta-filled bliss? Let’s get cooking!
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Ulimated Baked ziti recipe for comfort food lovers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with hearty flavors, this Ultimate Baked Ziti is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese come together for a dish that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
For the Ziti and Sauce:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus 1 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add minced garlic, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Stir until smooth.
-
Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half the cooked ziti, half the sauce, and half the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining ziti, sauce, and cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
-
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Serve:
- Let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
- This dish freezes well—assemble it ahead of time, freeze, and bake when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg