Classic Baked Ziti Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and generous helpings, Classic Baked Ziti is your golden ticket. This beloved Italian-American comfort food features layers of pasta, a rich, meaty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and a glorious crown of gooey, melted mozzarella. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday family dinner, prepping meals to enjoy all week, or just craving something cozy and hearty, Classic Baked Ziti has you covered with unbeatable flavor, irresistible textures, and a satisfyingly familiar vibe that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how these simple, everyday pantry staples come together to create the magic of Classic Baked Ziti. Each ingredient plays a starring role in building robust flavors, satisfying textures, and that crave-worthy bubbly golden top.
- Ziti pasta: Its shape and ridges are perfect for catching the luscious sauce and cheesy goodness so you get flavor in every forkful.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the meat for deep, savory flavor.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: The protein foundation, adding heartiness and spice—you can use either for your ideal flavor profile.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Garlic: No Classic Baked Ziti is complete without the bold aroma and punchy taste of fresh garlic.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and making the other flavors pop.
- Dried basil & oregano: These Italian herbs lift the sauce with warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch brings a gentle heat that livens up the flavor—add or skip as you like.
- Marinara sauce: A jar of your favorite brings tangy, tomato-rich flavor—go for a good-quality brand for best results.
- Tomato sauce: Adds extra moisture and depth, ensuring the pasta doesn’t dry out while baking.
- Water: Loosens the sauce just enough for the pasta to drink in all that savory flavor while baking.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and dreamy—ricotta creates those signature dollops of decadence throughout.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture so it bakes up light and slightly fluffy.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty zest that rounds out every cheesy layer.
- Mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty finish that everyone loves—in generous amounts!
- Fresh basil or parsley: For that beautiful, herbaceous pop of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Classic Baked Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti about 2 minutes less than the package directions so it stays firm and doesn’t become mushy after baking. Drain it well and set aside—don’t be tempted to rinse, as you want all that starchy surface for the sauce to cling to!
Step 2: Prepare the Savory Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil and add your ground beef or Italian sausage. Break it up as it browns, soaking up those aromatics. Once the meat is cooked through, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until everything is softened and fragrant, then season it with salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and water, letting the combination simmer and mingle flavors for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Ricotta Layer
While your sauce simmers, grab a medium bowl and combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan. Give it a good mix until everything’s smooth and creamy—this will transform into those irresistible pillowy pockets in your Classic Baked Ziti.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked ziti right into the skillet with the meaty sauce. Stir to coat each piece of pasta in that rich, savory mixture. This step ensures every bite of your Classic Baked Ziti bursts with flavor!
Step 5: Layer It Up
Spoon half the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for your first glorious layer. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta—don’t worry about spreading it perfectly. Sprinkle with half the shredded mozzarella, then top with the remaining pasta mixture. Finish it all off with the rest of your mozzarella blanket, making sure every corner is covered.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden in spots. The smell will fill your kitchen and have everyone gathering nearby!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the Classic Baked Ziti comes out of the oven, scatter fresh basil or parsley across the top. This adds a touch of color and a burst of freshness that takes it from comfort food to celebration.
How to Serve Classic Baked Ziti
Garnishes
Finish off your Classic Baked Ziti with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. This not only gives it a gorgeous pop of green but also brings a fresh aroma and flavor that balances all those rich, cheesy layers. For an extra special touch, add a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before hitting the table.
Side Dishes
Classic Baked Ziti shines as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad, simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or classic garlic bread for scooping up extra sauce. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve it alongside roasted veggies or a big antipasto platter to round out the meal with even more Italian flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake the ziti in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings, or try spooning it into bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing surprise. You can even layer it in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation, or dress it up with a few bursts of cherry tomatoes and dollops of pesto swirled on top before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Baked Ziti is pure lunchbox or next-day dinner magic. Let the casserole cool, then cover tightly or transfer slices to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days, making it easy to grab and reheat when cravings strike.
Freezing
Classic Baked Ziti is freezer-friendly! Either freeze the whole unbaked casserole (just assemble and skip baking—cover well, and add 10-15 minutes to bake time from frozen), or freeze individual portions for single-serve dinners. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn, and it’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake single servings or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20-30 minutes if refrigerated, a bit longer from frozen. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if it looks dry, and cover loosely with foil to keep the cheese from over-browning. For quick meals, the microwave works too; just cover and heat until steaming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini all work beautifully and will soak up the delicious sauce just as well. Choose a tube-shaped pasta so every bite gets coated with cheesy, meaty goodness.
Can I make Classic Baked Ziti vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the meat and sauté extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach until tender. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful, and you’ll have a colorful, satisfying vegetarian classic.
How do I prevent Classic Baked Ziti from drying out?
Be sure to use enough sauce (adding a half cup of water really helps), and don’t bake it uncovered for too long. Covering with foil for most of the baking traps steam, so the pasta stays nice and moist every time.
Can I assemble Classic Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes of baking time to ensure it’s hot and melty all the way through.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Classic Baked Ziti?
For the very best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil until hot and bubbly. This keeps the top from over-browning and preserves that delicious texture. Quick microwave reheating works in a pinch, too!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that truly brings people together, you can’t go wrong with Classic Baked Ziti. Every bite feels like a warm hug, brimming with flavors that everyone loves. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bring a little festive comfort to your kitchen tonight!
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Classic Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic baked ziti, a beloved Italian-American dish that brings together ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauces and Cheeses:
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta: Cook ziti pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: Brown ground beef or sausage in olive oil, then add onion, garlic, and seasonings. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine cheeses: Mix ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Assemble: Combine pasta with meat sauce, layer in a baking dish with ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then bake uncovered until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the ziti ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; adjust baking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey and part-skim cheeses.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
