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The Best Baked Ziti Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy the best baked ziti recipe—an easy, cheesy, and hearty Italian-American classic! Made with ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Notes

  • 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.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: pasta , casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Baked ziti recipe, cheesy baked ziti, easy baked ziti, best baked ziti, Italian pasta bake

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Find it online: https://eateatfood.com/the-best-baked-ziti-recipe-for-comfort-food-lovers/