Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a piping-hot dish of baked ziti coming out of the oven, bubbling with gooey cheese and packed with hearty, saucy goodness. This ultimate baked ziti recipe is comfort food at its finest – perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in leftovers that taste even better the next day.

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I stumbled upon this recipe while hosting a dinner party and needed something that could be prepped ahead of time and easily reheated. It was an instant hit, and now it’s my go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks. Let’s explore why this dish is guaranteed to become your favorite baked pasta recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with baked ziti like never before. This recipe stands out for so many reasons:

• Cheesy perfection: With layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, every bite is rich and satisfying. The blend of gooey, melted cheese is irresistible.
• Crowd-pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, whether served as the main course or alongside a fresh salad and garlic bread.
• Make-ahead magic: This dish is perfect for prepping ahead and baking when you’re ready. It’s freezer-friendly too!
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap out proteins, or adjust the spice level to make it your own.
• Simple ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up anytime.

Once you try it, this baked ziti will become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this baked ziti lies in the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ziti pasta: The star of the show! If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni works just as well. Cook it al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara or make it from scratch. A rich, flavorful sauce is key to a great baked ziti.
• Ground beef or sausage: Adds heartiness and depth. Italian sausage is a fantastic option for a spicier kick.
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, luscious layer. Whole-milk ricotta works best for richness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating those stretchy cheese pulls we all love.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty edge to balance the flavors.
• Garlic and onion: The aromatics that bring everything together.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the sauce and complements the cheesy goodness.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a cohesive layer.
• Fresh basil: Optional, but it adds a bright, herbaceous finish.

For equipment, you’ll need a large baking dish and some foil to cover it during baking.

How to Make the Best Baked Ziti

This baked ziti comes together easily, and the layering process ensures every bite is loaded with flavor. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat and prepare
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until just al dente. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the meat sauce
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Mix the ricotta layer
   In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, an egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
5. Layer the ziti
   Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta, then top with another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella on top.
6. Bake to perfection
   Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from over-browning) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Rest and serve
   Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Storage Options

Baked ziti is a dream for leftovers, and it stores beautifully for future meals:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
• Freezer: Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe baking dish, but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Add a little extra marinara sauce if it seems dry.

Variations and Substitutions

This baked ziti recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for a veggie-packed version.
• Spicy kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra heat.
• Cheese swaps: Try using provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
• Low-carb: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower for a lighter take.

With its cheesy layers, hearty sauce, and tender pasta, this baked ziti recipe is pure comfort food. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, and it’s guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and make sure to save a slice for yourself before it disappears!

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