baked ziti cooking instructions

Baked Ziti Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This baked ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with its cheesy goodness and rich flavors that everyone will love. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

  • Comforting and filling: Layers of pasta, sauce, and melted cheese create a dish that’s hearty and satisfying.
  • Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like pasta, marinara, and mozzarella, so you likely have everything on hand.
  • Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it a smart choice for meal prep or lunches.

Recipe

baked ziti recipe instructions

This baked ziti recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Its layers of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce make it a hearty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce. Spread half the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Dollop ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading gently. Top with remaining pasta mixture and remaining meat sauce.
  6. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes:

  • For vegetarian baked ziti, omit the meat or substitute with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Time:

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10

Nutrition

Baked ziti is a hearty and flavorful dish that provides a balance of macronutrients. Below is a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving.

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories450 kcal
Total Fat16 g
Saturated Fat8 g
Cholesterol45 mg
Sodium800 mg
Total Carbohydrate50 g
Dietary Fiber4 g
Sugars8 g
Protein25 g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my baked ziti with garlic bread because it’s perfect for soaking up the sauce, and a crisp Caesar salad adds a fresh, tangy contrast. The combo makes the meal feel complete without being too heavy. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

Garlic Bread

Though baked ziti’s rich, cheesy goodness stands on its own, pairing it with garlic bread turns a simple meal into something downright irresistible. I love slathering slices with garlic butter, toasting them until golden, and adding a cheesy topping for extra indulgence. The crispy edges and soft center perfectly complement the ziti’s creamy texture. It’s a match made in comfort food heaven, and I can’t resist seconds!

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad pairs beautifully with so many dishes, making it one of my go-to sides for everything from pasta to grilled chicken. I love experimenting with Caesar salad variations, like adding grilled shrimp or avocado. Homemade dressing, whipped up with fresh garlic, lemon, and anchovies, always takes it to the next level. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect complement to baked ziti. You’ll love it!

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