Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti is one of those cherished comfort food classics that brings pure joy to the table, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively family gathering. Generous layers of hearty pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese create a wonderfully flavorful meal that’s easily assembled and always crowd-pleasing. This is the kind of dish you bake on a Sunday but look forward to all week—cheesy, bubbling, and perfectly golden with every slice promising homestyle goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Baked Ziti recipe plays a starring role, building depth of flavor, creaminess, or that crave-worthy, cheesy finish we all love. Don’t skip the fresh herbs at the end—they add a pop of color and a garden-fresh lift!

• Lean Ground Beef: Adds richness and heartiness to the sauce, making every bite satisfying.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
• Garlic: Just a hint gives that unmistakable Italian flair—be sure to use fresh if you can!
• Basil: Brings bright, fragrant notes that pair so well with tomatoes and cheese.
• Oregano: Rounds out the herb flavor with its classic, earthy taste.
• Pasta Sauce: The backbone of the dish—choose a robust jarred sauce or make your own for a personal touch.
• Baked Ziti Pasta: These tube-shaped noodles hold the sauce beautifully for the perfect bite every time.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates irresistibly creamy layers—be generous!
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity that enhances every forkful.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Two layers mean double the gooey, stretchy goodness as it all bakes together.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end wakes up all the flavors and makes the whole dish look inviting.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the baked ziti pasta and cook it just until al dente—the noodles will finish cooking in the oven, so be sure not to overdo it. Drain the pasta and give it a quick toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking while you work on the rest of the recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a big skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Add in the diced onion and keep stirring until everything is browned and the onion is translucent. Toss in the minced garlic, basil, and oregano, letting them sizzle for a minute to release their aroma. Pour in your pasta sauce and let it simmer together for about ten minutes—this mingles all the flavors and creates that classic Baked Ziti heartiness.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

While the sauce is simmering, combine the ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese in a bowl. Give it a good stir! If you’re feeling fancy, add a pinch of black pepper or extra herbs here for even more flavor. This creamy mixture is the secret to those delicious, melty pockets you find in every slice of Baked Ziti.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now comes the fun part—building the layers! In a large baking dish, spread a big spoonful of meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of your cooked baked ziti pasta, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, half the remaining meat sauce, and a handful of mozzarella. Repeat with the rest of the pasta, remaining sauce, and finish by blanketing the whole thing with the second cup of mozzarella. Each layer works together to create the ultimate baked pasta experience.

Step 5: Bake

Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let your Baked Ziti rest for five to ten minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes it easier to cut beautiful slices.

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Just before serving, scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top—this adds a vivid pop of color and a fresh punch to balance out the richness. If you want to go the extra mile, a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a touch of red pepper flakes can give each serving even more personality.

Side Dishes

Baked Ziti is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zingy vinaigrette, or a basket of warm, garlicky bread for sopping up all that extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make a great, colorful addition to round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family meal, serve the Baked Ziti right from the casserole dish at the center of your table—everyone can scoop their own! If you’re entertaining, cut tidy squares and plate them individually with a parsley garnish and a drizzle of good olive oil. You can even try baking your ziti in small ramekins for adorable, single-serve portions that look especially impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Ziti keeps beautifully. Just cover your baking dish with foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches and quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Baked Ziti is super freezer-friendly! For best results, assemble your casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if it’s still a bit cold in the center. You can also freeze leftovers in single portions for grab-and-go meals.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your Baked Ziti with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works great—just cover the dish to retain moisture and heat until piping hot. If you find the pasta a little dry, splash in a tablespoon of water or extra sauce before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Ziti without meat?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and either bulk up the sauce with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, or use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and delicious.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in Baked Ziti; just drain it well for the best texture. In a pinch, a layer of cream cheese or even a thick béchamel sauce can work for that rich, creamy middle layer.

Can I prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed for a fuss-free meal.

How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the foil?

Lightly spray the underside of your foil with cooking spray before covering the ziti for baking. This simple trick keeps your beautifully melted cheese on the dish where it belongs, not stuck to the foil!

What’s the best way to reheat single servings?

For single portions, use the microwave—cover the dish and heat in 30-second bursts until hot. A splash of water or sauce keeps the pasta moist, and for extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for a minute or two.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like gathering your friends or family around the table to enjoy a bubbling, golden pan of Baked Ziti. It’s the kind of dish that never fails to please, whether you’re serving four people or a whole hungry crowd. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a new classic in your kitchen!

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