Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or a dish to impress friends, the Classic Baked Ziti Recipe is your go-to solution. Delicious layers of pasta, cheese, and savory meat sauce meld together to create a delightful harmony of flavors. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also customizable to suit your tastes, making it perfect for busy days or festive gathering.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 520
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg

Why Make Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

This Classic Baked Ziti Recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks or family dinners. Packed with protein from the meat and a wealth of flavors from the herbs and spices, this dish is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Plus, it offers endless versatility. You can easily swap ingredients based on preferences and dietary needs, making it a staple in any kitchen.

How to Make Classic Baked Ziti Recipe Step by Step

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or ground sausage
28 ounces marinara sauce or store-bought
2 cups canned diced tomatoes, do not drain
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced
1 tsp fresh basil, finely minced
1 garlic clove, grated
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to ensure it is ready for baking the ziti later. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or sausage completely over medium heat. Season the meat with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in marinara sauce and canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Cover and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Reserve 2 cups of sauce separately for layering.

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until just under al dente (about 8-9 minutes if package suggests 10 minutes) to prevent overcooking during baking. Drain well.

In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, minced parsley, minced basil, grated garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Add the cooked ziti pasta to the reserved meat sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly.

Spread half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, distributing it evenly. Scatter fresh mozzarella cheese pieces on top. Pour the reserved 2 cups of meat sauce over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top followed by the remainder of the ricotta cheese mixture. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the entire dish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered to allow the cheese to brown. Turn on the broiler and broil for 1-2 minutes to get a golden bubbly top. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Remove from oven and optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your classic baked ziti!

How to Serve Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Serve your Classic Baked Ziti Recipe with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread makes for a delicious accompaniment, perfect for scooping up cheesy goodness. For a heartier meal, pair it with a homemade marinara sauce on the side for those who love extra sauce.

How to Store Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

To store leftover Classic Baked Ziti, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in airtight containers. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until heated through, covered with foil.

Expert Tips for Cooking Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

• For added flavor, brown onions and bell peppers with the meat.
• Use a mix of cheeses for a unique twist—try feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
• If you love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to your sauce!

Delicious Variations of Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

• Spicy Baked Ziti: Add jalapeños or spicy sausage for a kick.
• Herbed Baked Ziti: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for a garden-fresh flavor.
• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Substitute meat with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a delicious twist.

Conclusion

Don’t miss out on trying this Classic Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s an explosion of flavor that’s easy to make, versatile, and sure to impress. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this baked ziti will quickly become a favorite!

Classic Baked Ziti

This Classic Baked Ziti Recipe offers delicious layers of pasta, cheese, and savory meat sauce, perfect for family meals or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or ground sausage
• 28 ounces marinara sauce or store-bought
• 2 cups canned diced tomatoes, do not drain
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

• 1 lb ziti pasta

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely minced
• 1 tsp fresh basil, finely minced
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or sausage completely over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Cover and simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors. Reserve 2 cups of sauce separately.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until just under al dente (about 8-9 minutes if package suggests 10 minutes). Drain well.
5. In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, minced parsley, minced basil, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.

Assembly

1. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the reserved meat sauce and stir well to coat.
2. Spread half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, distributing it evenly.
3. Scatter fresh mozzarella cheese pieces on top. Pour the reserved 2 cups of meat sauce over this layer.
4. Add the remaining pasta mixture followed by the remainder of the ricotta cheese mixture.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the entire dish.

Baking

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. Turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get a golden bubbly top.

Serving

1. Remove from the oven, optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve.

Notes

For added flavor, brown onions and bell peppers with the meat. Use a mix of cheeses for a unique twist—try feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor. If you love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to your sauce.