Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food — a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish perfect for a family meal or gathering. This recipe makes it incredibly simple to create a delicious and crowd-pleasing classic right in your own kitchen, even if you’re new to cooking.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ziti Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work great as substitutes.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, or homemade if you have it.
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese is a good alternative.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses can be used.
- Ground Beef: You can omit it for a vegetarian baked ziti, or use ground turkey.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
* 1 pound ziti pasta
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound lean ground beef (optional)
* 1 medium onion, chopped (optional)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
* 24 ounces marinara sauce
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Spices (Optional, for ground beef):
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large skillet (if using meat), large mixing bowl, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain well and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat (Optional)
If using ground beef, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined. This creamy mixture adds a lovely texture to your baked ziti.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In the same large bowl as the ricotta mixture (or a separate large bowl), combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and cooked ground beef (if using). Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and gently stir to combine everything.
5. Layer and Bake
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan over the top. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake the covered baked ziti for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. This makes for easier serving.
Storage Instructions
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make baked ziti ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Can I freeze baked ziti? Absolutely. Assemble the ziti, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake from frozen, adding an hour or more to the baking time.
- What if I don’t have ziti pasta? Penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes as they also have a tubular shape that holds sauce well.
- How do I prevent my baked ziti from being dry? Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente and use enough sauce. Adding a little extra sauce or a splash of water if reheating can help keep it moist.
- Can I add vegetables to this baked ziti? Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be mixed in with the ground beef or pasta layers.
- What should I serve with baked ziti? A simple green salad and some garlic bread are perfect accompaniments for this hearty baked ziti.