Baked Ziti Recipe
Baked Ziti Recipe
Table of Contents
Baked Ziti Recipe
This easy baked ziti recipe is the perfect combination of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal with your family, this comforting Italian casserole is always a hit. Simple to make and full of flavor, it’s the ideal dish for any occasion.
Description
If you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal, this baked ziti recipe is the answer. A staple in Italian American cuisine, baked ziti combines ziti pasta with a delicious homemade marinara sauce, savory Italian sausage or ground beef, and a generous amount of melted mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. The result is a warm, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
The beauty of Baked Ziti Recipe lies in its versatility. While it’s traditionally made with ziti pasta, you can use any short pasta shape like penne or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. The sauce is typically a tomato based marinara, but if you prefer, you can opt for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile. The recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your taste by adding vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, or switching up the protein by using ground turkey or plant based meat.
The dish comes together in just a few simple steps. First, cook the pasta until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce by sautéing garlic, onions, and your choice of meat in a pan. Add the marinara sauce and simmer to combine the flavors. Then, layer the cooked pasta, sauce, and cheeses in a baking dish. After baking, the cheese will melt beautifully, creating the perfect creamy, cheesy topping.
Baked Ziti Recipe is a fantastic make ahead meal. You can assemble it in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake, making it a time saver for busy evenings. It also reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers the next day.
This baked ziti recipe is a crowd pleaser and a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and always delivers that comforting, indulgent flavor everyone loves. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this dish is a must try.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for vegetarian)
- 24 oz marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage (if using), and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce mixture. Stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing until well combined.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Ziti: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta or penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional for vegetarian
- 24 oz marinara sauce store bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage (if using), and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce mixture. Stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing until well combined.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the Ziti: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
