The Best Baked Ziti Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

A Hearty and Cheesy Classic

Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish that brings families together around the dinner table. This Italian-American favorite features tender ziti noodles layered with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, making it a go-to meal for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: A perfectly seasoned tomato sauce with ground beef or sausage creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Creamy and Cheesy: A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan delivers the perfect balance of creamy and gooey textures.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, this dish is beginner-friendly and can be made ahead of time.
• Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Cheese Layers:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
5. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
4. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top and gently spread it.
5. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella.
7. Top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Extra Creaminess: Mix in a little heavy cream or mascarpone with the ricotta.
• Spicier Flavor: Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the dish but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?

To keep it moist, use enough sauce and cover with foil while baking. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating helps as well.

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

Both are layered pasta dishes, but lasagna uses wide pasta sheets while ziti is a tube-shaped pasta. Lasagna also has more structured layers.

Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?

Yes! Penne or rigatoni work just as well if ziti isn’t available.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

If you don’t like ricotta, substitute cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce for a creamy texture.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of making my own?

Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought marinara can save time. Add seasonings to enhance the flavor.

How do I make baked ziti extra cheesy?

Use extra mozzarella and mix some cheese into the pasta before layering.

Is it better to bake ziti covered or uncovered?

Start covered to keep moisture in, then uncover to allow the cheese to brown.

How do I make a single serving of baked ziti?

Layer ingredients in individual ramekins and bake for a smaller portion.

Can I add vegetables to baked ziti?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini add great texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Baked ziti is the perfect dish for comfort food lovers—cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try out the variations to make it your own, and enjoy every warm and delicious bite!

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