Best Ever Baked Ziti

Best Ever Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is comfort food at its finest. This dish combines creamy cheeses, savory meat, and hearty pasta for a meal that’s sure to delight family and friends. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just want a cozy dinner at home, baked ziti never disappoints. Plus, it’s easy to make and can feed a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

Picture this: a rich, flavorful marinara sauce coated over perfectly cooked ziti, mixed with creamy ricotta, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Each bite provides a combination of textures and flavors that warms the heart and soul. So let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how you can recreate this best-ever baked ziti in your own kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make baked ziti. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can substitute different types of meat, use vegetarian options or even add vegetables for extra nutrition. It also stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, then bake it just before serving.

Second, baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck with friends, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, everyone loves a big dish filled with cheesy, savory pasta. It satisfies the hunger of kids and adults alike.

Lastly, this dish is easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can make a delicious baked ziti. You don’t need gourmet cooking skills to impress your loved ones with this dish. It’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles around the dinner table.

How to Make Best Ever Baked Ziti

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your own baked ziti:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• Fresh basil (to taste)

Directions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious baked ziti:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then drain.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage for about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce with the meat mixture and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix drained pasta with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and fresh basil.
6. In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the pasta mixture, then repeat for the second layer.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

How to Serve Best Ever Baked Ziti

Once your baked ziti is perfectly cooked and bubbling, it’s time to serve! Here are some tips:

• Cut Portions: Use a spatula to cut portions easily. You can serve it right in the baking dish for a casual feel or plate it individually for a more formal presentation.
• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.
• Pair with Sides: Baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a side salad and garlic bread. A green salad adds freshness, while garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

How to Store Best Ever Baked Ziti

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Allow the baked ziti to cool down to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked ziti too! First, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It can keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Best Ever Baked Ziti

Here are some handy tips to elevate your baked ziti:

• Taste Your Sauce: The quality of your marinara sauce affects the whole dish. Use a good brand or homemade sauce for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you want to avoid mushy pasta.
• Mix Cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like provolone or gouda for added sophistication. Just be mindful of the flavors you combine.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Layering: Make sure to press down the pasta mixture slightly in each layer for better structure and flavor infusion throughout the dish.

Variation

Feel free to change things up! Here are some variations to consider:

• Spicy Baked Ziti: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Chicken Baked Ziti: Instead of beef or sausage, use cooked and shredded chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti: For extra cheesiness, mix in some cream cheese or add extra layers of cheese throughout.

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving, adjusting the baking time as needed.

What can I use instead of ziti pasta?

If you can’t find ziti pasta, you may use penne, rigatoni, or any other similar tube-shaped pasta. Just ensure it holds the sauce well!

Can I make baked ziti without meat?

Yes! Simply omit the meat and add more vegetables or use a meat substitute to keep it hearty and delicious.

In conclusion, the best ever baked ziti is an easy recipe that brings happiness and warmth to the table. With its cheesy layers and savory flavors, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in many homes. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious baked ziti that everyone will love!

Best Ever Baked Ziti

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• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Meat

Pin Recipe

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Description

A comforting dish of baked ziti with creamy cheeses, savory meat, and hearty pasta, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• Fresh basil (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then drain.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage for about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce with the meat mixture and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix drained pasta with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and fresh basil.
6. In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the pasta mixture, then repeat for the second layer.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top before serving. Pairs well with salad and garlic bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: baked ziti, pasta, comfort food, Italian, family dinner