Baked Ziti Recipe

This easy, delicious baked ziti is a quick and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella layered over zesty tomato sauce and a crispy, golden cheese topping, it’s flexible enough to allow substitutions with common pantry ingredients, making every bite simple yet satisfying.

Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• Two 14.5-ounce cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound ziti
• 1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, grated
• One 15-ounce tub whole-milk ricotta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for sprinkling
• 2 eggs

How To Make Baked Ziti Recipe?

1. Meat Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add the garlic and onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook until browned, draining most of the fat; stir in the tomato sauce, whole tomatoes (with juice), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 25–30 minutes, then remove 3–4 cups of the sauce and set aside to cool.
2. Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the ziti and cook until just shy of al dente, then drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of grated mozzarella, the ricotta, Parmesan, chopped parsley, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper; stir lightly to maintain some texture.
5. Combine: Toss the drained pasta with the cheese mixture and gently fold in the cooled meat sauce until just combined.
6. Assemble: In a large casserole or lasagna dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over it, then sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella on top; repeat with the remaining ingredients.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the dish is bubbling and the cheese is melted; let stand for 5 minutes before garnishing with extra parsley and serving.

Recipe Tips

• Cook Pasta Perfectly: Boil the ziti until it’s just shy of al dente; this prevents it from becoming mushy in the oven.
• Develop Deep Flavors: Let the meat sauce simmer well to meld the spices and juices; this step is key for a rich taste.
• Gently Combine Cheeses: Mix the cheese mixture lightly to keep some texture; overmixing can make it too uniform.
• Layer with Care: Build the dish in layers to ensure every bite has balanced pasta, sauce, and cheese.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to sit for 5 minutes after baking so the sauce sets and it’s easier to serve.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: First, let the leftover Baked Ziti cool until it reaches room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Let the dish cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm the ziti in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce, cover, and heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories:660
• Total Fat:38 g
• Saturated Fat:18 g
• Carbohydrates:42 g
• Dietary Fiber4 g
• Sugar:6 g
• Protein:37 g
• Cholesterol:
• Sodium:1040 mg

Check out More Recipes:

• Baked Sausage And Pepper Bucatini
• Baked Pepper Mac And Cheese
• Baked Pancetta & Butternut Squash Risotto
• Baked Goat Cheese Pasta