Best Baked Ziti Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and satisfying. This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something hearty. With layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of gooey cheese, this baked ziti recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and flavorful: A robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning makes every bite irresistible.
• Cheesy goodness: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan ensures the perfect melt and creaminess.
• Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and can be made ahead of time.
• Easy to customize: Add ground beef, sausage, or extra veggies to tailor it to your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 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 basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well.
4. Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped parsley until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
2. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
3. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and meat sauce.
6. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
• Creamier: Mix some heavy cream into the sauce for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?

To keep baked ziti from drying out, make sure to use enough sauce and cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking.

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

Lasagna uses flat pasta sheets layered with sauce and cheese, while baked ziti consists of short pasta mixed with sauce and cheese before baking.

Can I use penne instead of ziti?

Yes, penne is a great substitute if ziti isn’t available.

How do I make baked ziti extra cheesy?

Increase the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and consider adding a layer of provolone for even more cheesiness.

Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?

No, don’t rinse the pasta. The starch helps the sauce cling better.

What can I serve with baked ziti?

A side salad, garlic bread, and roasted vegetables make great accompaniments.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Absolutely! Use a high-quality marinara sauce to save time.

How do I make baked ziti without ricotta?

Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant make great additions.

Conclusion

This baked ziti recipe delivers the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With its rich sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

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