Comforting Baked Ziti
A classic Italian-American pasta dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Total
50 min
Servings
6 servings
Level
Easy
Baked ziti is a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that's a staple in many households. It combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, making it a comforting favorite.
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or planning ahead for the week. It’s easy to prepare and can be adapted based on what you have in your pantry.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, baked ziti is a reliable recipe that's sure to please everyone at the table.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
12 items · 6 servings
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
02How to make it
Step-by-step
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
Combine Ingredients
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix with Cheese
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake Until Bubbly
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Cool and Serve
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Baked ziti can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to swap the ground meat for turkey or a vegetarian option like mushrooms.
- If you don't have ziti, penne or rigatoni work great as substitutes.
Cook's note
This recipe is a classic favorite that can be adapted with different ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes if you don't have ziti.
How do I prevent the dish from drying out?
Be sure to cover with foil during the initial baking period to keep it moist.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
What should I serve with baked ziti?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this dish.
05Keep cooking
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