Baked Ziti

When you think of comfort food, Baked Ziti is probably one of the first dishes that comes to mind. Warm, cheesy, and packed with hearty marinara sauce, this baked pasta dish is nothing short of a crowd-pleaser. The ziti is perfectly cooked and combined with a flavorful meat sauce, smothered in gooey melted mozzarella, and baked to golden perfection. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eagerly awaiting that first cheesy bite.

Why You’ll Love Baked Ziti

Hearty & Satisfying

Baked Ziti is the definition of a comfort meal. It’s filling, rich, and satisfying—ideal for feeding a group or for enjoying leftovers the next day (because it’s always better the next day, right?).

Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious meals ready throughout the week. It also freezes beautifully if you want to save some for later.

Quick & Easy

While it might look like something you’ve slaved over for hours, baked ziti is surprisingly simple to make. The most work you’ll do is assembling it, and the oven does the rest of the magic.

Kid-Friendly

If you have picky eaters at home, this is the recipe for you. Who can resist pasta, sauce, and melted cheese? It’s the ultimate kid-friendly dish that’s sure to get rave reviews from both young and old.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate Baked Ziti:

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• Ziti pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• Ground beef or Italian sausage (or both)
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Tomato paste
• Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Cheese Layer:

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the ziti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Season with dried herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top, then repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce, and top with the rest of the cheeses.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, and serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 480
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 760mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Calcium: 25% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is hearty enough to be a main dish, but it’s even better when paired with some complementary sides. Here are a few serving ideas:

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into that rich tomato sauce!

Green Salad

Pair your Baked Ziti with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the pasta. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will do the trick.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli, make a great side to add some extra nutrients and color to your plate.

Wine Pairing

For a drink that complements the richness of Baked Ziti, try pairing it with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This dish is great for preparing ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze the assembled ziti for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Cheese Variations: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the layers or use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra meltiness.
• Meat-Free Option: For a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat and use extra vegetables in the sauce, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick or even some sliced fresh chili peppers.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can use any short pasta, like penne or rigatoni. Just make sure it can hold up to the sauce and cheese layers.

Q2: Can I use store-bought sauce?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce is a time-saver, and it still tastes delicious. You can even doctor it up with a little extra garlic, herbs, or a splash of wine for more flavor.

Q3: Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and then bake it the next day.

Q4: Can I freeze Baked Ziti?
A4: Yes, Baked Ziti freezes wonderfully. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q5: Can I use ricotta cheese substitutes?
A5: If you don’t have ricotta or prefer a different option, you can use cottage cheese or even a creamy béchamel sauce for a lighter version.

Q6: How can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also top the dish with some spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.

Q7: How can I make this dish healthier?
A7: Use whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber, lean ground turkey instead of beef, and reduced-fat cheese to lighten things up. Adding extra veggies like spinach or zucchini to the sauce is another great way to boost the nutritional value.

Q8: Can I use a different type of meat?
A8: Yes, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. You can even use a mix of meats for extra flavor.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
A9: Yes, definitely! Adding chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Q10: What can I serve with Baked Ziti?
A10: Pair it with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A side of fresh fruit also pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the ziti.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is a classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a big get-together, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. With a rich, cheesy sauce and hearty pasta, it’s comfort food at its finest. Go ahead, make it for dinner tonight—your taste buds will thank you!

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