Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Classic Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole that combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. This easy dish is perfect for feeding family and friends with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage)
• 28 ounces marinara sauce (or store-bought)
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely minced)
• 1 tsp fresh basil (finely minced)
• 1 garlic clove (grated)
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to a large pot and brown completely. Season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, check the seasoning and reserve 2 cups of the sauce.
4. Step 4: While the meat sauce simmers, cook the ziti pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, and grated garlic. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and mix thoroughly. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Dot with spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture and place slices of fresh mozzarella over the top.
7. Step 7: Pour 2 cups of the reserved meat sauce over the ziti. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then spread the rest of the ricotta mixture on top. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground sausage instead of beef for a spicier, richer flavor.
• Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can be added generously for a fragrance boost.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and double the cheese and tomato components.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. This baked ziti also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day before baking. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then bake as directed when ready to serve.

What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and plain yogurt for a similar creamy texture.

Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 150 reviews

Classic Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked with a savory meat marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This hearty baked pasta dish delivers layers of rich flavors and gooey texture, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage)
• 28 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, quantity as preferred)

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely minced)
• 1 tsp fresh basil (finely minced)
• 1 garlic clove (grated)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced or torn)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the ziti later.
2. Brown the meat: In a large pot or deep skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Season the meat with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
3. Prepare the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), and optional red pepper flakes. Cover and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Reserve 2 cups of this meat sauce for later layering.
4. Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, 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.
5. Mix the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, finely minced parsley, basil, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper and mix well until creamy and evenly combined.
6. Assemble the first layer: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the meat sauce and stir well. Spread half of this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer, then sprinkle fresh mozzarella cheese slices on top.
7. Build the second layer: Pour the reserved 2 cups of meat sauce evenly over the first layer. Add the remaining half of the ziti pasta followed by the remaining ricotta cheese mixture. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake the ziti: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
9. Broil for a golden top: Switch your oven to broil and broil the ziti for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
10. Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this classic, cheesy baked pasta dish!

Notes

• Ground sausage can be used instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for milder taste.
• Using fresh herbs in the cheese mixture enhances freshness but dried herbs can be substituted in smaller amounts.
• Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven and could become mushy.
• Covering the dish while baking helps steam the pasta, then uncovering allows the cheese to brown nicely.
• Broiling is quick so watch carefully to avoid burning the top cheese layer.
• This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Keywords: Baked Ziti, Italian Pasta Casserole, Comfort Food, Cheese Pasta Bake, Ziti with Meat Sauce