classic baked ziti recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best classic baked ziti recipe

I’m so glad you’re here to learn about my favorite classic baked ziti recipe. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m cooking for my family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe never fails to impress.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. I love how the combination of tender ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy melted mozzarella cheese all come together to create a truly satisfying meal.

Plus, the aroma of baked ziti wafting from the oven is simply irresistible – it’s a surefire way to get everyone gathered around the table in no time! My kids just love helping me prepare this dish, from mixing the sauce to sprinkling the cheese on top. It’s a great way to spend quality time together while also teaching them about the importance of following a recipe and measuring ingredients correctly.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers – this recipe makes plenty for future meals, so you can enjoy it again and again without any fuss. In fact, I often find myself making double batches just so we can have some extra for lunch or dinner the next day. The best part?

This recipe is also relatively healthy compared to other pasta dishes out there, thanks to the abundance of vegetables and lean protein in the sauce. I like to think of it as a guilt-free comfort food option that still satisfies our cravings without compromising on nutrition.

Classic Baked Ziti

4.6 from 601 votes

A hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring ziti noodles, a rich tomato meat sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and ricotta cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this classic Italian-American meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce into the skillet with the meat, then stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
8Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
9In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
10Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
11Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
12Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
13Add the drained ziti pasta to the remaining sauce in the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
14Spoon half of the sauced pasta into the baking dish, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it gently.
15Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
16Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
17Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
18Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
19Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Colander
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. You can also substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce fat. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

To store leftovers, let the baked ziti cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

For reheating, I like to use the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes with the foil on to keep it moist. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave for a quick lunch.

This recipe is always a good idea for family gatherings because it is easy to double and feeds a crowd without stress. Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Whether it is a weeknight dinner or a holiday potluck, this classic baked ziti never disappoints.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this classic baked ziti recipe, I highly recommend using penne or ziti pasta – both work beautifully with the chunky tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Q: Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or pork?

Sure thing! You can definitely swap out ground beef for ground turkey or pork if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from getting too browned during baking?

Avoid overbrowning by covering the dish with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking – this will help retain moisture and prevent excessive browning.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Sure! You can prep everything up until assembling the final dish, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to bake. Just be sure to thaw any frozen components before proceeding.

Q: What are some good alternatives to mozzarella cheese?

You can use other cheeses like parmesan, provolone, or even cheddar – just keep in mind that each will alter the flavor profile slightly.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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