Classic Baked Ziti Recipe – This beloved Italian-American dish. Combines ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture. All baked together. For a comforting, cheesy masterpiece. Perfect for weeknight dinners. Or family gatherings. This recipe brings the flavors of Italy. Right to your kitchen.
The first time I made this Classic Baked Ziti. I remember the house filled with the aroma of garlic. And simmering tomato sauce. My husband. A self-proclaimed pasta lover. Couldn’t resist sneaking a taste. Before it was even out of the oven. When I finally served it. Our child declared. It was the best thing ever! Since then, this dish has become a go-to comfort food in our home. Especially on cozy weekend nights. When we all crave something warm. And satisfying.
What makes this Classic Baked Ziti truly special?
This Classic Baked Ziti is a perfect blend of flavors. And textures. The pasta absorbs the rich meat sauce. Creating a hearty base. While the ricotta mixture. Adds creaminess and depth. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan. It bakes into a golden, bubbly delight. That’s sure to please everyone. At the table. It’s not just a meal. It’s an experience of comfort and joy. Ideal for feeding a crowd. Or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
What You Need To Make This Classic Baked Ziti Recipe?
Ziti Pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully. And retains its shape even after baking. You can substitute with penne. Or rigatoni if needed.
Ground Beef/Sausage: Adds richness to the dish. You can use a mix of both. Or choose one based on preference. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative.
Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought. This sauce brings the flavors together. Ensure it’s one with a flavor you love. Since it forms the base of the dish.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture. And depth. Don’t drain them—those juices are key. To a rich sauce.
Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy layer. That balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Freshness matters. So use a good-quality ricotta.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Melts into a deliciously gooey topping. Freshly shredded cheese melts better. Than pre-shredded.
Steps To Make Classic Baked Ziti:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large pot. Brown the ground beef. Or sausage. Until fully cooked. Breaking it up as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer. For about 15 minutes. Then set aside 2 cups for later.
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Step 2: Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta. In salted boiling water. Until just al dente. In a mixing bowl. Blend the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, basil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: To assemble. Mix the cooked pasta. With the remaining meat sauce. Spread half of the pasta mixture. Into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Add spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture. And fresh mozzarella. Over the pasta. Pour the reserved sauce. Over the top. Finish with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixture. And a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 4: Cover the dish with aluminum foil. And bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil. And bake for an additional 10 minutes. Or until the cheese is melted. And bubbly. If you like a crispy top. Broil for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. And serve hot.
Tip:
For an even richer flavor. Try mixing a bit of cream. Or ricotta cheese. Into the meat sauce. Before assembling the dish. This adds a creamy, luxurious texture. That complements the ziti perfectly. If you’re short on time. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator. And bake it just before serving. This is also a great dish to freeze. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped. And when you’re ready to enjoy. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. And bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it tightly. And refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes. To the covered baking time.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Baked Ziti freezes well. Let the dish cool completely. Then portion it into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. And reheat in the oven or microwave.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta. Cottage cheese is a great substitute. For a richer flavor. You can also use a mixture of cream cheese. And sour cream.
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Classic Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ziti pasta
- 1 pound of ground beef or sausage
- 28 oz. of marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 2 c of canned diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 4 oz. of fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 c of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 c of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to your preference
Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
- 2 c of ricotta cheese
- 1 c of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 garlic clove finely grated
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large pot. Cook the ground beef. Until it’s fully browned. Season it with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cover the pot. And let it simmer. For about 15 minutes. After simmering. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then set aside 2 cups of the sauce.
- While the sauce is simmering. Cook the ziti pasta. In a pot of boiling salted water. Until al dente.
- In a mixing bowl. Combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. With the egg, parsley, basil, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Then set aside.
- Once the pasta is done. Mix it into the meat sauce. Spread half of the pasta mixture. Into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture. Over the ziti. Along with slices of fresh mozzarella.
- Pour the reserved 2 cups of meat sauce. Over the top. Add the remaining ziti and ricotta mixture. Then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella. And parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil. And bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil. And bake for another 10 minutes. Then broil for 1-2 minutes. To achieve a golden, bubbly top. If desired, garnish with fresh basil. Or parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
