Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion

When it comes to comforting, hearty, and delicious meals, baked ziti stands out as a classic. This dish combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese into a warm, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a special gathering, baked ziti never fails to impress.

This step-by-step recipe will walk you through how to make the perfect baked ziti, with tips for customization and variations to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

To create this baked ziti masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For Assembly:

  • Non-stick cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley (if using). Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

  1. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
  2. Layer the Ingredients:
    • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
    • Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture spread evenly over the pasta.
    • Add another layer of meat sauce.
    • Repeat with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
  3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

  1. Bake the Ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let it Rest: Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion out.
  3. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle fresh parsley or additional Parmesan on top before serving, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Ziti

  1. Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: The sauce is the heart of the dish, so opt for a flavorful, high-quality jarred sauce or make your own from scratch.
  2. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture once baked. Stick to al dente for the best results.
  3. Customize the Protein: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian version.
  4. Make It Ahead: Baked ziti can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a hearty veggie-packed version.
  2. Spicy Ziti: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
  3. Four-Cheese Ziti: Incorporate additional cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago for an extra cheesy delight.
  4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information

One serving of baked ziti (approximately 1/8 of the dish) contains:

  • Calories: 400-450
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g

Why This Recipe Works

Baked ziti is a tried-and-true favorite because it’s:

  • Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and steps, anyone can make this dish.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Its comforting flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
  • Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Storage and Reheating

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  2. Freezing: Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
  3. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

Baked ziti is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its layers of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce create a comforting meal that’s both delicious and filling. Whether you’re serving a crowd or preparing a family dinner, this baked ziti recipe is sure to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade baked ziti that’s as good as any you’ll find at a classic Italian restaurant!

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