Easy Homemade Baked Ziti Recipe: Perfect Cheesy Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

The Perfect Baked Ziti Recipe

This baked ziti recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor with layers of pasta tossed in rich tomato sauce and creamy cheese. Follow these straightforward steps to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the pasta and sauce:

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 pound ground beef (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

For the cheese mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente about 8 minutes. The pasta should be slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. If using ground beef add it to the skillet breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in oregano basil and red pepper flakes. Add crushed tomatoes tomato paste salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
6. In a medium bowl combine ricotta 1 cup of mozzarella ½ cup of Parmesan egg parsley and garlic powder. Mix until well incorporated.
7. Combine the cooked pasta with about two-thirds of the sauce mixture in the pasta pot tossing until the pasta is well coated.
8. Assemble the ziti by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Top with remaining pasta and sauce.
9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
10. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
11. Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set making it easier to serve neat portions.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

For maximum flavor depth consider these professional tips when preparing your baked ziti:

• Use high-quality cheeses for the most authentic flavor profile
• Cook the pasta truly al dente as it will continue softening in the oven
• Allow the sauce to simmer longer for deeper flavor development
• Add a layer of sliced fresh mozzarella on top for an extra indulgent cheese pull
• Mix in 1 cup of frozen spinach thawed and drained for added nutrition and color
• Substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage for a flavor boost
• Drizzle the top with extra virgin olive oil before baking for a beautiful finish

The beauty of this classic baked ziti recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients while maintaining the essential pasta-sauce-cheese formula that makes this dish so beloved.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti

This baked ziti recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food for countless reasons. The perfect balance of al dente pasta tubes wrapped in rich tomato sauce creates an irresistible texture that satisfies with every bite.

Your family will request this dish regularly once they experience the gooey stretchy cheese pulls that form between each serving. The combination of creamy ricotta blended with sharp Parmesan and melty mozzarella delivers layers of flavor that complement the tangy marinara beautifully.

Meal prep enthusiasts appreciate how this dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight in the refrigerator. You can easily prepare this baked ziti ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when needed for stress-free entertaining.

Busy weeknights become more manageable with this recipe that requires minimal active cooking time but delivers restaurant-quality results. The versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry without compromising on taste.

Leftovers transform wonderfully into lunch portions that reheat perfectly in the microwave without drying out. Your kitchen will fill with an inviting aroma of Italian herbs and bubbling cheese that draws everyone to the table before you even announce dinner is ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic baked ziti comes together with basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients that create layers of incredible flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather before starting your culinary masterpiece.

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 1 pound (16 oz) ziti pasta (penne or rigatoni work as substitutes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins

• 1 package (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ½ cup roasted red peppers, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced and sautéed
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano for garnishing
• Red pepper flakes for serving (adds a pleasant heat)
• Italian seasoning blend (1-2 teaspoons for extra flavor in the sauce)

Kitchen Tools Required

Gathering the right kitchen tools before starting your baked ziti will make the cooking process seamless. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this Italian-American classic:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Deep skillet or saucepan for preparing the sauce
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife for chopping ingredients
• Cutting board
• 9×13 inch baking dish (approximately 3-quart capacity)
• Mixing bowls – one medium bowl for the ricotta mixture
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
• Aluminum foil to cover while baking
• Oven mitts for handling hot dishes
• Serving spoon

Your baking dish choice is particularly important for achieving the perfect texture. A glass or ceramic 9×13 inch dish allows for even heat distribution creating those desirable crispy edges while maintaining a gooey center. If you plan to freeze portions consider having smaller oven-safe containers available for individual servings.

Most of these tools are standard kitchen equipment you likely already own making baked ziti an accessible recipe for cooks at any skill level. Having everything ready before you begin cooking will help you maintain an organized workspace and ensure the process flows smoothly from pasta preparation to final baking.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Creating this classic Italian-American comfort dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a restaurant-worthy baked ziti that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Preparing the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. Add 16 ounces of ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, usually 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Test a piece to ensure it’s firm but not crunchy. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the other components. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping it slightly undercooked now ensures the perfect texture in your finished dish.

Making the Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in 3-4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. For a meat sauce, add 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage and brown thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Pour in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes along with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before removing from heat.

Assembling the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by all of the ricotta mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the ricotta layer. Top with half of the remaining sauce. Add the second half of the pasta, followed by the rest of the sauce. Finish with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top for that perfect golden crust.

Baking to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese on top. Place the dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and develops a golden brown color. Watch closely during the final minutes to prevent over-browning. Take the baked ziti out of the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. The finished dish should feature perfectly cooked pasta, flavorful sauce, and a beautifully melted cheese topping that stretches into tempting strands when served.

Storing and Freezing

Baked ziti’s incredible versatility extends to its storage options. Learn how to properly store leftovers and freeze portions for future meals to maximize convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare baked ziti up to 24 hours before baking. Assemble the entire dish following the recipe instructions but stop before the baking step. Cover the assembled ziti tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Bake as directed adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since the dish will be starting cold.

For longer make-ahead planning consider partially baking the ziti. Bake covered for 20 minutes then allow it to cool completely. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Finish baking for the remaining time when ready to serve.

The flavors actually develop and meld together when the dish rests overnight making a make-ahead baked ziti sometimes even more delicious than one served immediately.

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store cooled leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also cover the original baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil if you prefer not to transfer leftovers to a separate container.

Individual portions stored in meal prep containers make excellent grab-and-go lunches for busy weekdays. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits which creates an even more flavorful dish the next day.

Freezing Instructions

Baked ziti freezes beautifully either before or after baking. For unbaked ziti assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking container then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

For baked ziti allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. You can freeze the entire dish or portion it into individual servings using freezer-safe containers. Individual portions thaw more quickly and provide convenient single meals.

When using a glass baking dish be cautious about temperature changes that could cause the glass to crack. Allow frozen glass dishes to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips

For refrigerated leftovers preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the baked ziti with aluminum foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to re-crisp the top layer of cheese.

Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes stirring halfway through for even heating. Add a sprinkle of water before reheating to prevent the pasta from drying out.

To reheat frozen baked ziti thaw it overnight in the refrigerator then bake covered at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through. For unbaked frozen ziti thaw completely in the refrigerator then bake according to the original recipe instructions adding about 15 minutes to the cooking time.

A toaster oven works wonderfully for reheating small portions while maintaining the crispy cheese top better than a microwave. Set it to 350°F and heat for 10-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles.

Serving Suggestions

Your baked ziti deserves to be showcased with complementary sides that enhance its rich flavors. Consider serving this hearty Italian-American dish with a crisp garden salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the pasta’s richness. A basket of warm garlic bread makes an ideal accompaniment for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.

For a complete Italian-inspired feast pair your ziti with roasted vegetables like asparagus broccoli or bell peppers tossed with olive oil and herbs. Bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes basil and balsamic glaze offers a bright appetizer that contrasts beautifully with the warm cheesy main dish.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate how a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese cuts through the creamy cheese while complementing the tomato sauce. For non-alcoholic options sparkling water with lemon or a crisp iced tea provides refreshing contrast to this comfort food classic.

Transform your baked ziti into an impressive dinner party centerpiece by serving it alongside Italian antipasto featuring cured meats olives and marinated vegetables. Family-style service works wonderfully for this dish – bring the bubbling baking dish directly to the table for maximum visual impact and that satisfying moment when you break through the golden cheese crust.

For a casual weeknight meal simply add a simple side of steamed green beans or a quick Caesar salad to round out your dinner. Remember to garnish your baked ziti with fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the entire presentation.

Variations of Classic Baked Ziti

The beauty of baked ziti lies in its adaptability to different taste preferences and dietary needs. Try these popular variations to keep this comfort food feeling fresh and exciting every time you make it.

Meat Lover’s Baked Ziti

Transform your classic baked ziti into a carnivore’s dream with protein-packed additions that amplify flavor and satisfaction. Start by combining ground beef with Italian sausage for a robust meat sauce with complex flavors. Replace the standard ground beef with pepperoni slices layered throughout the dish for an unexpected pizza-inspired twist. Bacon lovers can mix crispy chopped bacon into the ricotta cheese mixture or sprinkle it between layers for smoky bursts of flavor. For a gourmet touch, try incorporating prosciutto or pancetta into your sauce or as a finishing layer on top. You might also experiment with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative that still satisfies meat cravings. Remember that when adding extra proteins, you may need to adjust your seasoning accordingly to maintain balanced flavors throughout the dish.

Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Create a meatless masterpiece that’s so flavorful even dedicated carnivores won’t miss the meat. Build depth by sautéing a colorful medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms before folding them into your sauce. Roasted eggplant cubes add a meaty texture and smoky flavor that makes this vegetarian version particularly satisfying. Boost nutrition by incorporating leafy greens like spinach or kale into your ricotta mixture for added color and nutrients. For Mediterranean flair, add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts to evoke bright coastal flavors. Enhance the cheese component with crumbled feta or goat cheese to introduce tangy notes that complement the vegetables perfectly. Plant-based cooks can substitute traditional dairy products with cashew ricotta and vegan mozzarella shreds for a completely plant-powered dish that maintains the creamy, comforting essence of traditional baked ziti.

Recipe Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect baked ziti is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these professional tips to elevate your dish from good to spectacular:

• Always cook pasta al dente – Boil your ziti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest since it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and maintains that ideal texture.
• Season every layer – Don’t rely solely on the sauce for flavor. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to your ricotta mixture and between layers for well-balanced seasoning throughout.
• Let your baked ziti rest – Allow the dish to sit for 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the layers set and makes serving cleaner and easier.
• Use room temperature cheese – Take your ricotta and mozzarella out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before assembly. Room temperature cheese melts more evenly and creates better texture.
• Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting. Freshly grated cheese delivers superior flavor and that enviable cheese pull.
• Create a perfect cheese crust – For that golden brown top, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking and consider a quick broil for 1-2 minutes (watching carefully to prevent burning).
• Taste your sauce before assembling – Adjust seasonings as needed to ensure your sauce has robust flavor that will carry through the entire dish.
• Don’t overfill your baking dish – Leave about half an inch of space at the top to prevent overflow during baking as the cheese bubbles and expands.
• Use high-quality ingredients – Splurge on San Marzano tomatoes for your sauce and good Italian cheeses for noticeably better flavor.
• Add depth with herbs – Fresh basil stirred into your sauce just before assembling adds brightness while dried oregano and bay leaves during simmering create complexity.

The Best Baked Ziti Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Your search for the perfect baked ziti ends here. This Italian-American classic brings together al dente pasta cheesy goodness and robust sauce in a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The beauty lies in its versatility – customize with your favorite proteins veggies or stick with the traditional cheese-laden version.

Remember that patience pays off with baked ziti. Let it rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly. With its make-ahead convenience freezer-friendly portions and endless variation possibilities this baked ziti recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Now it’s your turn to create this comforting masterpiece. Your kitchen will soon be filled with irresistible aromas and happy guests!

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