Introduction
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings. Its hearty layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheeses deliver a comforting, crowd-pleasing flavor. Served bubbling and golden-brown in a white ceramic baking dish, garnished with fresh basil leaves, this baked ziti creates a warm, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a classic Baked Ziti, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a rich, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Baked Ziti:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, 85/15)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
Baking:
-
Cooking spray
For Serving:
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves
- Suggested Accompaniments: Garlic bread, Caesar salad
- Suggested Pairings: Red wine, iced tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
- Suggested Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, large pot, skillet
Step-by-Step Process
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with meat sauce. Stir in ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped basil until evenly mixed.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the ziti mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with golden spots.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot from the white ceramic baking dish with garlic bread, Caesar salad, and wine.
Tips for Better Baked Ziti
- Cook pasta al dente; it will soften further during baking.
- Drain the beef well to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for a creamier texture; part-skim works but is less rich.
- Layer cheese evenly for consistent melting.
- Let the dish rest before serving to set the layers for easier cutting.
- Use fresh basil for a brighter flavor if available.
- Cover with foil to prevent drying out during initial baking.
- Enhance aesthetic: Scatter basil leaves artfully and serve in a white ceramic dish for a cozy look.
Variations and Customization
- Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit beef and add 2 cups sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free Baked Ziti: Use gluten-free ziti and ensure the marinara is gluten-free.
- Spicy Baked Ziti: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño with garlic.
- Turkey Baked Ziti: Swap beef for ground turkey.
- Vegan Baked Ziti: Use vegan cheese, omit meat, and add 1 cup lentils.
- Four-Cheese Baked Ziti: Add 1/2 cup shredded provolone to the cheese mix.
- Low-Fat Baked Ziti: Use part-skim ricotta and reduce mozzarella to 1 cup.
- Sausage Baked Ziti: Replace beef with 1 lb Italian sausage.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze unbaked or baked ziti, wrapped tightly, for 3 months; thaw in the fridge and bake at 375°F.
- Serve hot for the best texture; cold ziti is denser.
- Use leftovers as a filling for stuffed peppers or sandwiches.
- Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Pair with light sides like salad to balance heartiness.
- Presented in a white ceramic dish with basil for an inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 6 servings (1 1/2 cups each):
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamin A: 20% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
- Calcium: 40% Daily Value
- Iron: 20% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in protein and calcium; try vegetarian or low-fat versions. Serve with greens for balance.
Conclusion
This Baked Ziti recipe offers a cheesy, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It turns simple ingredients into a classic. Its easy preparation and inviting presentation make it a favorite. The hearty pasta and gooey cheese, with fresh garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its rich flavors.
Baked Ziti Recipe: Cheesy and Comforting
Cheesy baked ziti with beef and marinara.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- Cooking spray
- Optional: Basil leaves
- Suggested Pairings: Garlic bread salad
Instructions
- Cook ziti al dente; drain.
- Heat oil; cook onion for 4-5 minutes, garlic for 1 minute. Add beef and cook for 6-8 minutes. Add marinara, tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix ziti, sauce, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil.
- Spread in a greased 9x13-inch dish; top with 1 cup mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F, covered, for 20 minutes; uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with basil; serve with bread and salad.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente.
- Store in fridge for 4 days, freeze for 3 months.
- Try a vegetarian variation.
- Pair with wine.
