Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Imagine coming home on a chilly evening, hungry and ready for something warm and delicious. You open the oven, and the smell of bubbling cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta fills the kitchen. That’s baked ziti—a dish that feels like a warm hug!

Baked ziti is one of those meals that everyone loves. It’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or just craving something comforting, baked ziti is always a great choice.

One of the best things about baked ziti is that you can make it ahead of time. Just pop it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready. It’s also perfect for leftovers—the flavors get even better the next day!

So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit, let’s dive into this classic baked ziti recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip this up. If you can boil pasta and mix a few ingredients, you’ve got this!
• Crowd-Pleaser – Whether it’s for your family, friends, or a party, baked ziti is a dish that everyone enjoys.
• Cheesy & Saucy Goodness – It’s loaded with gooey melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and flavorful seasonings.
• Perfect for Leftovers – If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste even better the next day!
• Customizable – Want to add veggies? Prefer ground turkey over beef? Like it extra cheesy? You can make it just the way you like!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Baked Ziti:

• 1 pound (16 oz) ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional for Serving:

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Side Suggestions (if you want a full meal!):

For Garlic Bread:

• 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For a Simple Side Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (like romaine or spinach)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• ¼ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup croutons
• Dressing of your choice (ranch, balsamic, etc.)

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these tools to make the process easier:

• Large pot – For boiling the pasta
• Large skillet – To cook the meat and sauce
• Mixing bowls – To mix the ricotta and egg mixture
• Baking dish (9×13-inch) – For layering and baking the ziti
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – To get the right amount of each ingredient
• Colander – To drain the pasta
• Aluminum foil – To cover the ziti while baking (optional)

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but cooked).
3. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
6. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft.
7. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

8. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with 1 egg until smooth. This will make the ziti creamy and rich.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
11. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
12. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
13. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
14. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top, then spread the remaining meat sauce over it.
15. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

16. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
17. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
18. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

More Recipes >>>>>> Spinach And Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushroom

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Since the pasta will be baked in the oven, slightly undercooking it helps keep it from getting mushy.
• Use a Good Quality Sauce – A good marinara or homemade sauce makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Layer for Maximum Flavor – Layering the pasta, ricotta, and sauce ensures every bite is cheesy and delicious.
• Let It Rest – Allow the ziti to sit for a few minutes after baking to help it firm up before serving.
• Make It Ahead – You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for Later – Baked ziti freezes well! Just cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Meat Substitutions:

• Swap ground beef or sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.

Pasta Alternatives:

• If you don’t have ziti, you can use penne, rigatoni, or rotini instead.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

Cheese Variations:

• Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you want a lighter option.
• Add provolone or extra mozzarella for even more gooey goodness.

Sauce Options:

• Use a spicy marinara or arrabbiata sauce for a little heat.
• Try a mix of alfredo and marinara sauce for a creamy twist.

Vegetarian Additions:

• Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Add zucchini or eggplant for a heartier veggie version.

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Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti is delicious on its own, but pairing it with sides makes it even better!

Classic Side Dishes:

• Garlic Bread – The perfect crispy, buttery side to soak up extra sauce.
• Side Salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances out the rich pasta.

Drinks:

• Iced tea or lemonade – A refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Red wine – If you’re serving adults, a glass of Chianti or Merlot pairs well.

Toppings & Garnishes:

• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for extra flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the baked ziti cool completely before storing.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

3. What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

Lasagna uses flat noodles and is layered with cheese and sauce, while baked ziti is made with tube-shaped pasta and is mixed together before baking.

4. How do I keep my baked ziti from drying out?

Make sure to use enough sauce and cover it with foil for the first part of baking. If reheating, add a little extra sauce to keep it moist.

5. Can I add more cheese?

Of course! If you love cheese, add extra mozzarella on top before baking for an even cheesier finish.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!