Baked Ziti – A Classic Italian-American Comfort Dish

Name: Baked Ziti – A Classic Italian-American Comfort Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 16 oz ziti pasta (uncooked); 1 lb ground beef; 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 15 oz ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded); 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

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By: Maria
Posted: 05/04/2025

Baked Ziti is a beloved Italian-American comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknights. Featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this hearty casserole is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, Baked Ziti delivers bold flavors and a warm, cheesy hug in every bite.

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Substitutions

Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini can replace ziti.
Ricotta: Substitute with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamier texture.
Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella substitutes for a vegan version.
Low-carb: Swap ziti with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
Add Ground Beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta with egg and half of the Parmesan.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, half the meat sauce, and dollops of ricotta mixture.
Repeat layers and top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Mix-ins

Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added vegetables.
Black olives or sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.
A spoonful of pesto between layers for extra flavor depth.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking while baking.
Let the baked ziti rest before serving to firm up and make slicing easier.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
Add a splash of Red Wine to the sauce for a rich, authentic touch.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.
To freeze, assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour (remove foil for last 20 minutes).

Recipe Variations

Baked Ziti with Alfredo Sauce: Use a mix of marinara and Alfredo for a creamy twist.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers.
Spicy Baked Ziti: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
Meat Lover’s Baked Ziti: Combine sausage, Ground Beef, and pepperoni for a carnivore-friendly version.

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Do I have to boil the pasta first?
Yes, pre-cooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t get mushy or undercooked during baking.

Can I freeze baked ziti after baking?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze. Reheat from frozen or thawed.

What makes baked ziti different from lasagna?
Baked ziti is layered like lasagna but uses tubular pasta instead of flat sheets and typically skips the need for careful layering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the baked ziti ahead of time and what’s the best way to store it?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to 2 days in advance. Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What are some good substitutions for the pasta, meat, and cheese in this recipe?

You can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or rotini for the pasta. For the meat, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work well, use the same amount as the recipe calls for. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella substitutes, ensuring they melt well. For a creamier texture, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone.

How do I know when the baked ziti is perfectly cooked?

The baked ziti is done when the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and bubbly. The pasta should be tender but not mushy, and the sauce should be simmering around the edges. A good indication is to check the internal temperature with a thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C) in the center. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking; this allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Can I double or scale up this baked ziti recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish, such as a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, especially if using a deeper dish. Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the layers.

What are the nutritional highlights of this baked ziti, and are there ways to make it healthier?

Baked ziti provides protein from the meat and ricotta, calcium from the cheese, and carbohydrates from the pasta. You can make it healthier by using lean ground turkey or chicken, incorporating more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and using whole-wheat pasta. The crushed tomatoes also offer lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant.

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Baked Ziti – A Classic Italian-American Comfort Dish

A delicious and cheesy baked pasta dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings, featuring tasty ziti pasta and rich tomato sauce.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

16 oz ziti pasta uncooked
1 lb ground beef
24 oz marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add marinara sauce to the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread a thin layer of the beef sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, then evenly dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta.
Spread half of the mozzarella and another layer of sauce.
Repeat layering with remaining ziti, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top and cover the dish with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving.