Baked Ziti is one of those dishes that just screams comfort. Think tender pasta covered in rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and seasoned to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table, fork in hand, ready to dig in. Trust me, every bite is a warm hug in the form of food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to make dinner a little more exciting, Baked Ziti is here to save the day!
Why You’ll Love Baked Ziti
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about bringing people together over a meal. Here’s why Baked Ziti is a go-to dish for so many:
Versatile: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences—add in some ground beef, sausage, or even extra veggies to make it your own.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients like pasta, sauce, and cheese make this a wallet-friendly option for feeding a crowd.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm, cheesy dish ready to serve in no time.
Customizable: Whether you’re a fan of extra cheese or love a bit of spice, this dish is easy to personalize.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Baked Ziti is a comforting classic that never disappoints!
Ingredients in Baked Ziti
Here’s how you bring this cheesy masterpiece together, using ingredients that are easy to find and totally satisfying:
Ziti Pasta: The sturdy, tube-shaped pasta that holds up perfectly in the sauce and cheese. If you can’t find ziti, penne works great too!
Marinara Sauce: The heart of the dish. You can go with store-bought or make your own from scratch—either way, it’s the perfect base for the pasta.
Ricotta Cheese: The creamy, smooth cheese that blends beautifully with the sauce and adds that rich, decadent texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Because no baked pasta is complete without melted mozzarella! It gets all stretchy and gooey in the oven.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory kick to balance out the creaminess of the ricotta.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that gives the dish an extra burst of flavor.
Ground Beef (Optional): For some extra protein and heartiness, ground beef can be added, browned before mixing into the sauce.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better—this will infuse the whole dish with irresistible flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best flavors in your sauce and cheese.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the ziti bakes evenly and melts to perfection.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Drain it well and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant. If you’re using ground beef, brown it in the skillet now. Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Mix the Ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that perfect golden, cheesy crust.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This step lets the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish up a hearty serving, and enjoy this warm, cheesy masterpiece!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
(Note: nutrition may vary based on added ingredients like meat or extra cheese.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Baked Ziti
This dish is already hearty enough on its own, but you can take it up a notch with a few tasty sides:
Serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comforting combo.
Pair it with a fresh green salad to add a crisp contrast to the cheesy goodness.
Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make it ahead! You can assemble the ziti the night before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
If you want a little extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking for a slight kick.
Try adding some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for a little more texture and flavor.
FAQ’s
- Can I make Baked Ziti without meat?
Yes, just skip the ground beef and it will still be delicious! You can add extra veggies or just keep it cheesy. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy pasta will work in place of ziti. - Can I freeze Baked Ziti?
Yes, Baked Ziti freezes beautifully! Just make sure to cool it completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. Bake it straight from the freezer for 40-45 minutes. - What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar texture. - How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover it for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown without burning. - Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly! You can also add extra seasonings if you want to adjust the flavor. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
When the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown, it’s ready to go! - Can I add extra cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to load it up with extra mozzarella or even some provolone for a cheesy twist. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular ziti with gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go. - Can I make Baked Ziti without ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can skip it, or substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, super satisfying, and always a hit. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty and delicious. With layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, every bite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
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Baked Ziti
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 6servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American casserole dish featuring tender ziti pasta smothered in marinara sauce, layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a perfect comfort food for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ziti pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
– You can add ground beef or sausage to the sauce for a meatier version.
– For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1plate
- Calories: 400kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg