Embrace the ultimate Italian comfort food with this incredibly satisfying Baked Ziti recipe! This classic dish brings together hearty meat sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and an abundance of rich, gooey cheese in every bite.
It is a fantastic option for a weeknight family dinner or for feeding a crowd at your next gathering. Prepare to fall in love with this easy-to-make, incredibly flavorful pasta bake.
Originating in Naples and Campania, Italy, Baked Ziti has a rich history as a celebratory dish. Learn more about the history of Baked Ziti.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
This Baked Ziti recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons.
- Easier than traditional lasagna: Enjoy similar flavors without the intricate layering.
- Packed with savory meat sauce: A rich blend of Italian sausage and ground beef creates deep flavor.
- Layers of irresistible gooey cheese: Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan combine for pure cheesy bliss.
- Perfect for family dinners or gatherings: This generously sized casserole easily feeds a crowd.
- Makes fantastic leftovers: Enjoy the delicious flavors for days after you bake it.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite Italian comfort food, the ultimate Baked Ziti. Fresh, quality components make all the difference in achieving that homemade taste everyone craves.
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 whole large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, mild or hot
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes, with juice
- 2 (14.5-oz.) cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 16 oz. ziti or mostaccioli, cooked until not quite al dente
- 15 oz. whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated and divided
- 1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Adjust the meats, cheeses, or pasta shape for a delicious variation.
- Adjust meat: Use all ground beef or all Italian sausage instead of a mix. You can also add ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Cheese swaps: Cottage cheese works well as a substitute for ricotta if needed. Use sharp provolone for extra flavor.
- Pasta alternatives: Penne or rigatoni are great sturdy tube-shaped pasta alternatives if you cannot find ziti.
- Seasoning: Customize Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to your taste. Add a bay leaf to the sauce for more depth.
Equipment
Making this hearty pasta bake requires just a few standard kitchen tools. You probably already own everything you need.
- Large pot or Dutch oven (for sauce and pasta)
- Large mixing bowls (for cheese mixture and combining)
- 9×13 inch casserole dish (for baking your Baked Ziti)
- Cheese grater (if grating block cheese)
Instructions For The Best Baked Ziti
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a truly irresistible Baked Ziti. This beginner-friendly guide ensures perfect results every time, making homemade Italian cooking simple.
1. Prepare Meat Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for several minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Next, add the Italian sausage and ground beef to the pot.
Cook until both meats are thoroughly browned, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Carefully drain off most of the excess fat, but leave a small amount behind for flavor and moisture in your sauce.
Now, stir in the canned whole tomatoes with their juice, crushing them gently with your hands or a spoon. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Once simmered, remove 3 to 4 cups of the finished meat sauce to a separate bowl and allow it to cool slightly. This step is important for combining later.
2. Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti or mostaccioli pasta to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to package directions until it is not quite al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite.
Remember, it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and rinse it under cool water. Rinsing stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together, ensuring a perfect Baked Ziti.
3. Make Cheese Mixture
While the pasta cools, prepare the creamy cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, 2 cups of the grated mozzarella cheese, the grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg.
Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper. Stir these ingredients together just a couple of times.
Do not overmix; it is desirable to leave some small lumps of ricotta for texture. This creates a wonderfully rich and creamy layer.
4. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the cooled, cooked pasta directly into the bowl with the ricotta cheese mixture. Gently toss the pasta and cheese together, ensuring the pasta is lightly coated.
Some larger clumps of cheese are perfectly fine. Next, fold in the cooled meat sauce that you set aside earlier.
Mix everything until the pasta is well coated with both the cheese and the flavorful sauce.
5. Assemble & Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce (from the pot, not the cooled portion) over this layer of pasta. Generously sprinkle half of the remaining grated mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Repeat these layers: add the second half of the coated pasta mixture, then spoon over the rest of the plain meat sauce, and finally, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
This layering ensures gooey cheese in every bite of your Baked Ziti. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
6. Serve
Remove the baked ziti from the oven. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making for cleaner slices. Garnish the top generously with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve your homemade Baked Ziti warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your Baked Ziti turns out perfectly every time with these helpful hints and solutions to common issues.
- Prevent Dry Ziti: Always ensure enough sauce coats all the pasta. Adding a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick can help.
- Avoid Mushy Pasta: Undercook your pasta slightly to a firm al dente. It finishes cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming soft.
- Rich Flavor: Do not drain all the fat from the browned meat. A small amount adds significant flavor and moisture to the sauce.
- Cooling Sauce: Cool the portion of sauce meant for mixing with pasta and cheese. Hot sauce can melt the cheese prematurely and cook the egg.
- Gentle Mixing: Stir the ricotta cheese mixture and pasta gently. This helps keep ricotta clumps intact for a creamy texture.
- Rest Time: Allow the Baked Ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Troubleshooting: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile Baked Ziti is perfect for various occasions and easily adapts to make-ahead meals.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your hearty Baked Ziti with a crisp garlic bread for dipping into the sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole up to two days in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: For a convenient future meal, freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen Baked Ziti overnight in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, adding extra time until hot and bubbly. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to the edges if it looks dry.
- Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra vegetables. Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone in the cheese mixture.
Nutrition
Enjoy this rich and satisfying Baked Ziti as part of a balanced meal. The nutritional information provided is an estimate per serving, based on approximately 8 servings per dish.
For detailed information on the nutritional content of various ingredients, you can consult the USDA FoodData Central database.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 667 Calories |
| Fat Content | 39 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 19 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 138 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1164 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 38 g |
| Fiber Content | 4 g |
| Sugar Content | 7 g |
| Protein Content | 36 g |
Frequently Asekd Questions
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti uses tubular pasta, often mixed into a sauce with cheese, then baked. Lasagna features wide, flat pasta sheets layered with sauce and cheese, creating distinct strata.
Can you leave out the sausage in baked ziti?
Yes, absolutely! Use all ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
Does baked ziti contain ricotta cheese?
Yes, traditional baked ziti recipes, like this one, include ricotta cheese. It provides a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
This Hearty Baked Ziti offers a fantastic way to bring delicious Italian comfort food to your table with minimal fuss. It combines a rich meat sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and an abundance of gooey, melted cheese into one incredible dish.
Enjoy this beginner-friendly recipe for a satisfying weeknight meal or an impressive potluck contribution. Try this comforting pasta bake tonight and savor every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Hearty Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered 25–30 minutes. Remove and cool 3–4 cups of sauce.
- Cook pasta in salted water until not quite al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta with cheese mixture and cooled meat sauce.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Layer half pasta, half reserved sauce, half remaining mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
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