How to Make Classic Baked Ziti: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal, baked ziti is the perfect dish. It’s a classic Italian-American casserole made with pasta, cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce. What’s great about baked ziti is that it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is always a hit at dinner tables! Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this dish will never disappoint. Let’s dive into this simple recipe so you can create it at home!
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is a warm and cheesy pasta dish made by layering cooked ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese in a casserole and baking it until golden and bubbly. It’s similar to lasagna, but ziti pasta replaces lasagna noodles, and it’s much quicker to assemble.
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and works well for beginners. You don’t have to be a professional chef to impress people with baked ziti—just follow these simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make classic baked ziti:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) ziti pasta
- 1 jar (about 24-28 ounces) of marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, for a meaty version)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese as a substitute)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente, which means it’s firm but cooked through. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Tip: Add a drizzle of olive oil to the cooked pasta to prevent it from sticking together while you’re preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Next, make a simple meat sauce to give the baked ziti extra flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
If you’re using ground beef or Italian sausage, stir it into the skillet and cook until it’s browned evenly. Break up any big chunks with a spoon as you cook. Then, pour in the marinara or tomato pasta sauce, sprinkle the Italian seasoning, and add red pepper flakes if you want a little spice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now it’s time to assemble the baked ziti! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan.
Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta. Spread it out gently with the back of a spoon.
Next, pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process: add the remaining pasta, ricotta cheese (if any is left), meat sauce, and top it all with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake It
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Baking uncovered lets the cheese on top get golden and bubbly.
When the baked ziti is finished cooking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set so it’s easier to scoop out portions without falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is a hearty dish that pairs perfectly with side items like garlic bread and a green salad. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or roasted zucchini for a balanced meal.
If there are leftovers, don’t worry! Baked ziti reheats beautifully—just pop it in the microwave or oven, and it tastes just as good the next day.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for a veggie-packed version.
- Swap the Pasta: If you don’t have ziti, use penne or rigatoni—they work just as well!
- More Cheese Magic: Add more layers of cheese between the pasta if you’re a cheese lover. You can also try adding shredded provolone or cheddar for a twist.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Conclusion
Classic baked ziti is one of those meals that’s always comforting and crowd-pleasing. With layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet simple to make. If you follow this recipe, you’ll soon discover why this Italian-American favorite makes its way to so many dinner tables!
Give this recipe a try and share it with your family or friends—it’s a meal that’s bound to become a regular in your home. Happy cooking!
