How to Make a Deliciously Simple Baked Ziti Dish
If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal, baked ziti is the perfect dish. It’s a classic Italian-American casserole that combines pasta, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce into one hearty dish. The best part? It’s simple to make and perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, you’ll be able to whip this recipe up in no time.
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is a pasta casserole made with ziti (a type of short tube-shaped pasta), tomato sauce, and lots of cheese. Some versions include meat, while others are vegetarian. It’s layered like lasagna, baked to perfection, and has a bubbly, golden cheese topping. The dish is warm, comforting, and great for gatherings or even meal prep.
Let’s get started with a simple recipe that anyone can follow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make baked ziti:
- Pasta: 1 pound of ziti (or use penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available).
- Tomato Sauce: 24 ounces of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade).
- Ground Meat: 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or sausage (optional, for a meaty version).
- Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter version).
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking the meat and greasing the pan.
That’s all you need—just a few basic ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Easy Instructions to Make Baked Ziti
Follow these step-by-step directions and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll need to bake the dish later, and preheating ensures it cooks evenly.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the ziti. Cook the pasta for about 1-2 minutes less than the instructions on the package. This is because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain it once it’s done, but don’t forget to save a small cup of pasta water—it can be used later to make your sauce extra flavorful.
3. Cook the Meat (if using)
If you’re making a meaty baked ziti, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
4. Mix the Sauce
In the skillet with the cooked meat (or in a separate pot if skipping the meat), pour in the marinara sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your pasta and sauce are ready, mix them together in a large bowl. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce.
6. Build the Layers
Grab a baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works well) and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Follow these simple layering steps:
– Spread a thin layer of the pasta and sauce mixture at the bottom of the dish.
– Add a few dollops of ricotta cheese, spreading it around.
– Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
– Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the pasta and sauce, ending with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake the Ziti
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake it for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This will allow the cheese on top to melt and become bubbly and golden.
8. Let It Cool
Once baked, take the ziti out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to scoop out servings.
Serve and Enjoy
Cut into squares or scoop out portions, and serve your baked ziti warm. It pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and they taste just as good reheated.
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Make It Meatless: Skip the meat for a vegetarian version. Add sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead.
- Add Spice: If you love spicy food, mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for a kick.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven and bake.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for extra flavor.
Baked ziti is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually very easy to make. With its cheesy goodness and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe the next time you need a quick, satisfying dinner. Happy cooking!
