Baked Ziti

This Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, hearty marinara sauce, and layers of melty cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. With its bubbly, golden top and rich, flavorful layers, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at any table.

Baked Ziti is one of those dishes that instantly makes our house feel like home. My husband loves the cheesy layers, and my daughter enjoys helping sprinkle the mozzarella on top. It’s our go-to meal for cozy nights, and it always brings smiles to the dinner table. Whether we’re celebrating or just craving comfort, this dish never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love Baked Ziti

•Cheesy and Delicious: A perfect blend of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan.

•Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

•Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.

•Customizable: Add veggies, meat, or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes For Baked Ziti

•Ziti Pasta: Use ziti or similar shapes like penne or rigatoni.

•Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought; opt for your favorite.

•Ricotta Cheese: For creaminess; cottage cheese can be substituted.

•Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella for a gooey, melty layer.

•Ground Meat: Ground beef or Italian sausage adds heartiness (optional).

•Seasonings: Garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Recipe Steps

1.Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2.Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add marinara sauce. If using ground meat, cook it separately and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3.Mix Ricotta: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of basil and oregano. Mix until well combined.

4.Assemble the Ziti: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

5.Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6.Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

•Freezer: Freeze the assembled (unbaked) ziti for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Variations & Substitutions

•Add sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.

•Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

•Swap marinara sauce for Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.

Baked Ziti

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Course: Main Course

Kitchen: Italian-American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
• ▢ 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• ▢ 1 small onion diced
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ▢ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Prepare the Pasta:
• Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Meat Sauce:
• Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Add Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Assemble the Ziti:
• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Layer Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Bake:
• Bake the Ziti: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve:
• Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.