Baked Ziti

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to make a delicious and comforting dish of Baked Ziti. If you’re looking for a hearty meal that combines the irresistible flavors of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce, you’ve come to the right place. This baked pasta dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy dinner at home. With layers of ziti, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, each bite offers a delightful explosion of taste that will leave you craving more. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also makes for great leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful meal multiple times throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Ziti recipe is not just another pasta dish; it’s a wholesome meal packed with flavor and comfort. Here are just a few reasons why you will fall in love with it:

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip this up in no time.
• Feed a Crowd: This recipe yields generous portions, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Customizable: You can easily modify this dish to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a vegetarian version or want to add more spices.
• Make-Ahead Meal: Baked ziti can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for busy nights.
• Comfort Food: There’s something about cheesy, baked pasta that warms the heart and soul, making it a go-to comfort dish.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Beyond its delightful taste and ease of preparation, this Baked Ziti recipe offers several benefits. It is not only satisfying but also nutritious, providing a balanced meal featuring pasta, protein, and dairy. The combination of ground beef or Italian sausage adds a hearty element, while the ricotta and mozzarella deliver that creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.

Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile! You can swap ingredients based on dietary needs or what you have on hand. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply omit the meat and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Craving a bit of heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes or spicy sausage. The possibilities are endless!

Additionally, Baked Ziti is an excellent option for meal prep. It holds up well in the refrigerator and can easily be reheated, making it a convenient choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week. This means less stress in the kitchen and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Ingredients and Utensils Needed

To create this mouthwatering Baked Ziti, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta – The star of the dish, providing the perfect vessel for sauce and cheese.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• 1 onion, chopped – Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – A must-have for flavor.
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – For a protein-packed filling.
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce – The base of the sauce, making it rich and flavorful.
• 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese – For creaminess and texture.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The gooey topping that everyone loves.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For a salty kick and added flavor.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano – A classic herb that complements Italian dishes.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To enhance the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a bit of heat.
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional) – Adds a fresh touch for presentation.

Recommended Tools and Utensils

Having the right tools can make cooking a breeze. Here are some utensils that will help you successfully prepare your Baked Ziti:

• Large pot – For boiling the ziti pasta.
• Large skillet – To cook the ground meat and sauté the onions and garlic.
• Baking dish – A 9×13 inch dish works best for layering the ziti.
• Mixing bowls – For combining the ricotta mixture and layering the ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Aluminum foil – To cover the baking dish while it bakes.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious Baked Ziti.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your ziti will bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown on top.

Step 2: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This typically means boiling for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep your dish from becoming greasy.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This step is essential as it helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture adds a creamy layer to your baked ziti and enhances its taste.

Step 7: Layer the Ingredients

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Next, add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. This layering technique ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 8: Bake the Ziti

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps to steam the ingredients and meld the flavors together.

Step 9: Brown the Cheese

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cheesy crust on top.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once finished, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Now that you know how to make Baked Ziti, here are some tips and variations to consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add some mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to give your ziti a kick.
• Storage Tips: Baked ziti keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid freezer burn.

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you don’t overcook the pasta during the boiling stage, as it will continue to cook while baking. Also, let the ziti sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set up and makes serving easier.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

Let’s take a look at the nutritional content of this Baked Ziti dish:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg

This dish is a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a filling meal. The use of tomato sauce provides beneficial antioxidants, while the cheese offers calcium and other nutrients. Enjoying baked ziti as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall wellness, especially for those involved in active lifestyles.

Conclusion

In summary, Baked Ziti is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its wonderful layers of flavors and easy preparation, it’s a recipe worth trying. We hope you enjoy making this comforting dish and that it becomes a favorite in your home. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and if you loved this recipe, feel free to share it with your friends or on social media! For more delicious recipes, check out our other posts on Lentil Soup, Pumpkin Soup, and Pizza Dough Recipe. Happy cooking!

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page!

Baked Ziti

A comforting and cheesy baked ziti dish made with pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese, perfect for family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 portions

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 pound Ground beef or Italian sausage
• 24 ounces Marinara sauce 1 jar
• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese 1 can
• 1 Egg
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Baking Dish

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
5. Pour in the marinara sauce, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
7. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.