Best Ever Baked Ziti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a crowd-pleasing, soul-warming comfort food that comes together with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or serving at parties. The balance of creamy cheese, savory meat, and tangy marinara sauce creates a deeply satisfying flavor. Best of all, it’s customizable and freezer-friendly.

Ingredients

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

• 1 pound ziti pasta

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 4 cups marinara sauce

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

• Fresh basil (to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

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

3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

4. Stir the marinara sauce into the meat mixture and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and fresh basil. Mix well.

6. In a baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the pasta mixture over the sauce. Repeat the layers.

7. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

9. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This baked ziti recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly option.

• Spicy Ziti: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra heat.

• Cheese Swap: Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta or use a blend of provolone and mozzarella for a different cheesy texture.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

• Add Layers: Include a layer of béchamel sauce for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 60-75 minutes.

FAQs

1. How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?

Cover the dish with foil while baking to retain moisture, and avoid overcooking the pasta before baking.

2. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

3. Is it necessary to cook the pasta before baking?

Yes, the pasta should be cooked al dente before assembling the dish, as it won’t cook properly in the oven alone.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes if you don’t have ziti.

5. What kind of meat works best for baked ziti?

Ground beef or Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) are traditional choices, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken.

6. How do I know when baked ziti is done?

It’s ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.

7. Can I freeze baked ziti after baking?

Yes, let it cool completely, then freeze in portions or as a whole. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

8. What cheese alternatives can I use for ricotta?

Cottage cheese or a mixture of mascarpone and cream cheese can be used as substitutes.

9. Should I add eggs to the ricotta mixture?

Some recipes include eggs to help bind the cheese, but it’s optional for this version.

10. How do I make baked ziti more flavorful?

Add garlic, Italian seasoning, or a splash of red wine to the meat sauce to deepen the flavor.

Conclusion

Best Ever Baked Ziti is a classic comfort food that’s simple to prepare, satisfying to eat, and endlessly customizable. With layers of cheesy, meaty goodness and a bubbly, golden top, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table. Perfect for any occasion, this baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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