Name: Wonderful Baked Ziti: Comfort food in 1 Hour
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 32 oz marinara sauce; 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes; 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

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Baked ziti has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. There’s something incredibly comforting about that warm, cheesy goodness, especially on a chilly evening. I recall my mom making this dish for Sunday dinners; the aroma of simmering marinara and melting cheese filled our entire house, making everyone gather around the table with anticipation. This easy baked ziti comes together with minimal fuss, delivering that classic, satisfying taste we all love. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying a delicious weeknight meal. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti

This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a hug in a casserole dish! Here’s why this baked ziti will become your go-to:

It’s incredibly easy baked ziti to put together, even on a busy weeknight.
The creamy ricotta baked ziti layers add a luxurious texture you’ll adore.
It’s the ultimate comfort food baked ziti that satisfies everyone.
The combination of savory meat sauce and melted cheese is simply irresistible.
You get that classic, homemade taste without all the fuss.
This ricotta baked ziti is perfect for feeding a crowd or for delicious leftovers.
It’s a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients for Homemade Baked Ziti

Gathering these staples makes creating this delicious baked ziti with marinara sauce a breeze. The combination of simple, quality ingredients is what makes this dish so special.

1 lb ziti pasta – cook it just until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
1 lb lean ground beef – provides a savory base for the sauce.
1 large onion, finely chopped – about 1 cup, adds sweetness and depth.
4 garlic cloves, minced – essential for that classic Italian flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that screams comfort food.
1 tsp salt – enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 tsp ground black pepper – for a subtle kick.
32 oz marinara sauce – use your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce for a rich base.
14.5 oz crushed tomatoes – adds texture and extra tomato flavor to the sauce.
16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded – the gooey, melty star of our homemade baked ziti!
15 oz ricotta cheese – this creamy cheese adds a wonderful richness and makes it a true ricotta baked ziti.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese – for that sharp, nutty finish.

Wonderful Baked Ziti: Comfort food in 1 Hour - Baked Ziti - additional detail

How to Make the Best Baked Ziti

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into assembling this incredible baked ziti recipe. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece in no time. It’s truly a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking.
Step 2: Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, but undercook it by about 2 minutes. You want it al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta well.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 4: Add the 1 large onion, finely chopped, to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the 4 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in the 32 oz marinara sauce and 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes. Stir in the 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Add the drained ziti pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Stir gently until all the pasta is well coated. This ensures every bite is infused with that delicious sauce.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

Step 1: Spread about half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Dollop spoonfuls of the 15 oz ricotta cheese over the pasta layer. Try to distribute it evenly for creamy pockets throughout the dish.
Step 3: Sprinkle half of the 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded, and half of the 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
Step 4: Spoon the remaining pasta and sauce mixture on top of the cheese layer.
Step 5: Top with the rest of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. You’re creating beautiful layers of baked ziti that will become wonderfully melty and golden.

Wonderful Baked Ziti: Comfort food in 1 Hour - Baked Ziti - additional detail

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Step 1: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and helps the casserole heat through evenly without drying out.
Step 2: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll start to smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Carefully remove the aluminum foil. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has a lovely golden-brown color on top. This final step is crucial for that perfect finish.
Step 4: Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Baked Ziti

Want to elevate your baked ziti game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will help you achieve that perfect, crowd-pleasing result every single time.

Always cook your pasta just shy of al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven and won’t turn mushy.
Don’t skip the resting period after baking – it lets the flavors settle and makes serving much cleaner.
Using a mix of cheeses, like mozzarella and Parmesan, adds complexity and delicious flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect baked ziti?

The real secret lies in the pasta’s texture and the sauce’s depth. Cooking the ziti perfectly al dente and letting the sauce simmer ensures the best flavor in your ziti pasta bake. Don’t rush these steps!

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with baked ziti?

The biggest mistake is overcooking the pasta. Another common pitfall is not letting the sauce simmer long enough, which impacts flavor. Also, ensure you cover it during the initial bake to keep it moist.

Best Ways to Serve Baked Ziti for Dinner

Serving up a hearty portion of baked ziti is always a winner for dinner, but what you pair it with can make the meal truly complete. I love keeping things simple but delicious. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the pasta bake, offering a refreshing balance.

Another fantastic option is to serve it with some crusty garlic bread. It’s ideal for soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate – a little culinary bonus! For a more substantial meal, consider offering a simple steamed or roasted vegetable like broccoli or green beans. These additions make it a well-rounded meal. Think of these as excellent baked ziti side dish ideas to round out your family dinner.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Ziti

Here’s a look at the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this delicious baked ziti. Keep in mind these are estimates and can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients and brands you use.

Calories: 690 kcal
Fat: [Insert Fat Value]
Saturated Fat: [Insert Saturated Fat Value]
Protein: [Insert Protein Value]
Carbohydrates: [Insert Carbohydrates Value]
Fiber: [Insert Fiber Value]
Sugar: [Insert Sugar Value]
Sodium: [Insert Sodium Value]

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. This classic Italian-American dish is hearty and satisfying.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti

Even though this baked ziti recipe is best served fresh, you’ll be happy to know it stores and reheats beautifully. Once it’s cooled down a bit after baking, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from drying out. Properly stored, your delicious homemade baked ziti can stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it fantastic for meal prep!

If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze the entire casserole or individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, you can reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, usually about 20-30 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works too, just heat in 1-2 minute intervals until hot. Enjoying this classic baked ziti later is just as satisfying!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time for a crowd?

Absolutely! This family baked ziti recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to add about 10-15 minutes to the total baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

What kind of pasta is best for baked ziti?

While the name suggests ziti, you can really use any tube-shaped pasta that will hold the sauce well. Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work wonderfully. The key is to cook it only until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want mushy pasta in your classic baked ziti.

How do I make sure my baked ziti isn’t watery?

A common issue is a watery casserole, but it’s easily avoided! First, make sure your sauce has simmered long enough to thicken. Second, drain your pasta very well after cooking. Finally, don’t add any extra liquid when assembling the layers; the sauce and cheeses should provide enough moisture for a perfectly creamy, not watery, baked ziti.

Can I make a vegetarian baked ziti?

Yes, you definitely can! For a delicious vegetarian baked ziti, simply omit the ground beef. You can add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for added flavor and texture. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy this comforting dish meat-free.

Variations of Baked Ziti You Can Try

While this classic baked ziti recipe is amazing as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs to keep things interesting. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of this beloved casserole.

Vegetarian Baked Ziti: For a meat-free option, simply skip the ground beef. Sauté extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers with the onions and garlic before adding the marinara sauce. This creates a hearty and flavorful vegetarian baked ziti that even meat-eaters will enjoy.
Spicy Baked Ziti: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños with the onions for an extra kick.
Creamy Pesto Baked Ziti: Swirl a few tablespoons of pesto into the ricotta cheese before layering, or mix it into the sauce for a vibrant, herbaceous twist on the traditional flavors.
Skillet Baked Ziti: For an even quicker meal with less cleanup, try a one-pan version. Combine all ingredients (cooked pasta, sauce, cheeses) directly in a large oven-safe skillet and bake until bubbly.