Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food made with pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and often savory meat. This hearty, cheesy casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, offering satisfying layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ziti pastaolive oilground beef or Italian sausage (optional)yellow oniongarlicclovescrushed tomatoes (canned)tomato pastetomato saucesugarItalian seasoningsaltblack pepperricotta cheeseeggparmesan cheeseshredded mozzarella cheesefresh basil or parsley (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent.

Add ground beef or sausage (if using) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half the Parmesan cheese, and a bit of salt and pepper.

Add half of the cooked ziti to the baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, and a layer of shredded mozzarella.

Repeat layers with remaining ziti, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 40-45 minutesResting time: 10 minutesTotal time: 70-75 minutes

Variations

Use spicy Italian sausage for a bold flavor twist.

Add chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.

Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.

Try a white sauce or mix in Alfredo for a creamy variation.

Use gluten-free ziti to accommodate dietary needs.

storage/reheating

Store baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.For longer storage, freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Do I have to use meat?

No, you can omit the meat or use plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.

Can I use penne or another pasta?

Yes, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes for ziti.

Is it necessary to boil the pasta first?

Yes, partially boiling the pasta ensures it cooks properly in the oven without becoming mushy.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce can be used instead of ricotta.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover with foil during most of the baking time and remove only near the end to brown the top.

Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes, divide into containers and freeze for quick meals later.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the ricotta or use a plant-based version.

What’s the best sauce to use?

A homemade or good-quality marinara sauce works best. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—try bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleasing classic that delivers rich flavors and comforting textures in every serving. Whether you’re feeding a big family or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish offers flexibility, ease, and delicious results that everyone will love. Add it to your dinner rotation and enjoy a taste of Italian-American tradition at its best.

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