Classic Baked Ziti Italian

This baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food combining tender pasta with rich meat sauce and three kinds of cheese baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone around the table with big smiles and full plates. I first made this on a chilly weekend and it quickly became my go-to for family dinners that feel like a warm embrace.

I remember serving this to friends who kept going back for seconds and asking for the recipe — it’s that good

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: traditional tubular pasta that holds sauce perfectly choose good-quality dried pasta for the best texture
• Ground beef: adds richness and depth pick lean or regular based on your preference for fat content
• Garlic cloves: minced fresh garlic provides sharp aromatic flavor crucial for the sauce
• Onion: chopped finely to melt into the sauce and build sweetness
• Spaghetti sauce: forms the tomato base look for one with herbs included for extra flavor
• Tomato sauce: adds heft and thickness plain or seasoned both work depending on taste
• Oregano: dried oregano adds a classic Italian herbal note
• Ricotta cheese: creamy and mild it cushions the tangy tomato and savory meat
• Parmesan cheese: sharpness that cuts through richness freshly grated is best for melt and flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: divided for layering and topping fresh or low-moisture shredded both work fine

Instructions

Cook pasta:

Boil the ziti in salted water according to package directions until it is just tender but still firm to the bite. This al dente texture will help prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when baked. Strain the pasta well and set aside so it is ready to combine with the sauce.

Prepare meat sauce:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring often until the beef is browned throughout and the onion softens becoming translucent. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Add sauces and seasoning:

Pour in the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and sprinkle the oregano over the beef mixture. Stir to combine and heat the sauce until it just begins to bubble. Remove the skillet from the heat so the sauce stays hot but doesn’t boil over.

Combine pasta and sauce:

Transfer one cup of the meat sauce into a large bowl and mix it thoroughly with the cooked ziti until every piece is coated. This will make layering easier and ensure every bite has flavor.

Layer the first half:

In a large baking dish spread half of the ziti and sauce mixture evenly. Dollop and spread the ricotta cheese on top of the pasta layer, then sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese. Pour one cup of the remaining meat sauce over this for moisture and flavor.

Layer the second half:

Add the remaining ziti mixture to cover the layered cheeses and top with the rest of the meat sauce. This layered assembly ensures the cheeses melt beautifully while the sauce infuses the pasta.

Bake covered:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Covering the dish helps keep the moisture in so the casserole stays creamy inside.

Add final cheese topping:

Remove the foil after 20 minutes and sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly on top along with the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese. This creates the golden crust that is so signature to baked ziti.

Bake uncovered:

Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 more minutes. This step melts and browns the cheeses creating crunchy edges and a beautiful golden top. Let the dish cool a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Ricotta cheese is my favorite because it adds a delicate creaminess that compliments the tangy tomato sauce beautifully. One family dinner stands out when my niece, who usually dislikes tomato dishes, happily ate three servings of this baked ziti and kept asking for more.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Baked ziti also freezes well; portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace beef for variations in flavor and fat content. For a vegetarian version omit the meat and add mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty alternative. Use cottage cheese mixed with a beaten egg as a ricotta substitute if you want a lighter option or can’t find ricotta easily.

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked ziti with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or a toasted baguette on the side is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. A light glass of red wine or sparkling water complements the cheesy and savory flavors beautifully.

Cultural Context

Baked ziti is a classic Italian American comfort food that became popular in the United States among Italian immigrants and their families. Its layered pasta and cheese approach offers a simple but rich meal that works well for feeding a crowd, making it a beloved dish at Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings.

This baked ziti is a timeless comfort classic that combines flavors and textures for a satisfying meal. Share it with loved ones for memories around the table.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of pasta is best for baked ziti?

Ziti pasta works best due to its tubular shape, which holds sauce and cheese well during baking.

→ Can I use other cheeses besides ricotta and mozzarella?

Yes, parmesan adds a sharp finish, and you can also experiment with provolone or fontina for varied flavors.

→ How do I prevent the baked ziti from drying out?

Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking keeps moisture in, ensuring a creamy texture.

→ Is it necessary to cook the pasta before assembling?

Yes, cooking pasta until al dente allows it to absorb sauce flavors without becoming mushy.

→ Can ground beef be substituted with other meats?

Certainly, ground turkey, sausage, or a blend can be used to alter flavor and texture.