EASY BAKED ZITI RECIPE

Imagine layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, a rich and flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping baked to golden perfection. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, promising a comforting and satisfying meal. This Baked Ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise it’s easier to make than you think!

What You’ll Need: The Baked Ziti Ingredients List

Pasta and Sauce Essentials:

• 1 pound ziti pasta: The star of the show! You can also use penne if you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking.
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage): I usually go for lean ground beef, but Italian sausage adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a savory base to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that classic Italian flavor!
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Look for good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Helps create a rich and saucy base.
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and adds concentrated tomato flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of Mediterranean herbiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the oregano perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick! Adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup water: To help simmer the sauce.

The Creamy, Cheesy Goodness:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese: I prefer whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The more mozzarella, the cheesier the baked ziti!

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Baked Ziti Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions, but slightly undercook it – about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
4. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and water.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta and about half of the meat sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Spread a thin layer of the remaining meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
5. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta mixture, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
4. Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set up slightly and makes it easier to slice.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Ziti

• Don’t overcook the pasta! As mentioned earlier, slightly undercooking the pasta is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
• Use good quality ingredients. The flavor of your baked ziti will only be as good as the ingredients you use. Opt for good quality crushed tomatoes, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
• Don’t be afraid to customize! This recipe is a great base, but feel free to add your own personal touches. Try adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce. You can also use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
• Make it ahead of time. Baked ziti is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can assemble it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze it for later. Baked ziti also freezes well. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Variations on a Theme: Level Up Your Baked Ziti

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the meat and add vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the sauce.
• Spicy Baked Ziti: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
• White Sauce Baked Ziti: Instead of tomato sauce, use a creamy béchamel sauce as the base.
• Seafood Baked Ziti: Add shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat to the sauce for a delicious seafood twist.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Baked Ziti

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing!
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked ziti.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and delicious options.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad complement the baked ziti perfectly.
• Dessert: A light and refreshing dessert, such as High Protein Lasagna Soup, or simple fruit salad, is the perfect way to end the meal.

Baked Ziti vs. Lasagna: What’s the Difference?

Baked Ziti and lasagna are both popular Italian-American pasta bakes, but there are a few key differences:

• Pasta: Baked Ziti uses ziti pasta, while lasagna uses wide, flat lasagna noodles.
• Cheese: Both dishes typically use ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, but the ratios may vary.
• Layers: Lasagna is traditionally layered with noodles, sauce, cheese, and other fillings, while baked ziti is often mixed together in a bowl before being baked.
• Preparation: Baked Ziti is generally considered easier and quicker to prepare than lasagna, as it doesn’t require layering.

Craving More Comfort Food?

If you loved this Baked Ziti recipe, you might also enjoy these other comforting pasta dishes:

• Chicken Casserole: A hearty and flavorful casserole with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
• High Protein Lasagna Soup: All the flavors of lasagna in a warm and comforting soup.
• Baked Mac And Cheese: A classic comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Baked Mac And Cheese: Another delicious take on baked mac and cheese!
• Baked Macaroni And Cheese: A perfect dish for any day of the week.
• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna: A spicy and flavorful twist on classic lasagna.

So there you have it – my go-to recipe for easy and delicious Baked Ziti! I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family does. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!