Irresistible Baked Ziti: Cheesy Comfort Food Delight

Baked ziti is that magical dish where cheesy goodness meets comforting pasta, creating an irresistible aroma that enchants every corner of your kitchen. Imagine a bubbling casserole, golden on top and oozing with melted cheese, just waiting to be devoured by eager family and friends.

Every time I make baked ziti, I’m transported back to family gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and enough pasta to feed a small army. This crowd-pleaser shines at potlucks and cozy Sunday dinners, promising smiles all around as everyone digs in for a second helping.

I remember the first time I made baked ziti; my cousin declared it “a slice of heaven on a plate.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Opt for ridged ziti; it holds onto the sauce like a pro.

• Marinara Sauce: A good quality sauce elevates the dish’s flavor—homemade or store-bought can work wonders.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; feel free to mix in some herbs for extra flavor.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Choose whole milk mozzarella for that stretchy texture everyone loves.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan brings a nutty depth; avoid the powdered stuff if you can.

• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For meat lovers, these options add heartiness; turkey works too for a lighter choice.

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up this cheesy delight.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your ingredients; get that warmth ready for your delicious ziti.

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

Sauté the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage until browned; stir occasionally until fully cooked through and fragrant.

Add the Sauce: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with meat, letting it simmer gently for about 5 minutes; this step brings all those flavors together beautifully.

Create Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan; mix thoroughly until creamy and inviting.

Assemble Your Ziti: In a large baking dish, layer half of the ziti topped with meat sauce followed by cheese mixture; repeat layers finishing with remaining mozzarella on top.

Now pop that glorious dish into your preheated oven, letting it bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. The anticipation will be real as you wait for those cheesy layers to meld perfectly. You’ll know it’s done when you catch that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving so no one burns their mouth off in their excitement (trust me on this). Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

And there you have it—your own homemade baked ziti that’s not just dinner but an experience! Enjoy every gooey bite as you reminisce about family traditions or create new ones around this delightful dish.

You Must Know

• Baked ziti is a comforting classic that easily feeds a crowd
• The cheesy goodness combined with rich marinara creates a harmonious dish
• It’s great for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply enjoying on a lazy Sunday afternoon

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the ziti until it’s al dente. While that’s cooking, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil for maximum flavor. Combine everything, layer with cheese, and bake until bubbly.



Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option. You can also toss in spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Get creative with your favorite herbs too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Use high-quality cheese for richer flavor in baked ziti
• Always taste your sauce before layering; it should be perfectly seasoned
• Don’t skimp on the baking time—cooking longer helps meld the flavors beautifully!

The first time I made baked ziti for my friends, they devoured it instantly! Their compliments made me realize how special this dish truly is.



FAQ

What kind of pasta is best for baked ziti?

Ziti is traditional, but you can use penne or rigatoni as well.

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it and refrigerate overnight before baking.

How do I freeze baked ziti?

Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months.

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Baked Ziti

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Baked ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that combines layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. With its inviting aroma and satisfying flavors, baked ziti promises smiles around the table as everyone goes back for seconds.
• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti in salted water until al dente; drain.
3. In a skillet, brown ground meat over medium heat until cooked through.
4. Mix marinara sauce with the meat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, blend ricotta with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
6. In a baking dish, layer half of the ziti with meat sauce followed by the cheese mixture; repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg