Perfectly Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked ziti is like that warm hug you didn’t know you needed after a long day. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta nestled in a rich tomato sauce and smothered in gooey cheese. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. It’s a dish that screams comfort and satisfaction.

This delectable creation isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory-maker. Picture this: friends laughing over bowls filled with cheesy goodness at your dining table, while everyone tries to get that last piece of crispy cheese from the corners of the baking dish. Whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive gathering, baked ziti always steals the show.

I remember the first time I whipped up this baked ziti for my family; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they saw the bubbling cheese.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Ziti Pasta: Opt for tubular pasta like ziti for great sauce retention; cook until al dente.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness and depth.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop finely for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they provide a fragrant punch of flavor.
• Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean ground meat for a hearty base; brown it nicely before combining with sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes; they form the flavorful sauce base.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs adds authentic Italian flair; adjust based on preference.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta creates velvety layers; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for melting perfection and gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds nuttiness and crispness when baked.

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large pot and fill it with water; bring it to a rolling boil before adding salt. Toss in your ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—remember, we want some bite!

While that’s boiling away happily, heat a generous splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling—about five minutes should do the trick! Then toss in minced garlic and stir until aromatic.

Next up is your meat! If using ground beef or turkey, add it now. Cook until browned through while breaking it apart with your spatula—about 7-10 minutes will yield delicious results. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Pour those beautiful crushed tomatoes into the skillet along with Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes so those flavors can mingle wonderfully—trust me on this!

In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper—this creamy layer will be heavenly! Once that’s done, it’s time to assemble our masterpiece.

Grab a large baking dish and spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom as your base layer. Next comes half of your cooked ziti followed by half of the ricotta mixture dolloped generously across the top.

Now sprinkle half of that glorious mozzarella cheese over everything—go big or go home! Repeat these steps with remaining ingredients until you’re left with one final layer topped off with more mozzarella and a showering of grated Parmesan.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil (to avoid that dreaded dry topping) and send it into your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Afterward, uncover it and let it bake an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

When those cheesy aromas start filling your kitchen like an Italian restaurant on pizza night, you’ll know it’s almost time to dig in! Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving—you wouldn’t want anyone burning their mouth on molten cheese!

Dig into this cheesy delight with friends or family gathered around—the laughter will mix beautifully with each bite!

Baked Ziti is more than just food; it’s an experience wrapped in love (and lots of cheese). Enjoy every delightful moment!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta until al dente while preparing the sauce. Layer cooked pasta with sauce and cheese before baking for the best flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, or even a sprinkle of feta for an extra zing. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal taste.

Cooking Baked Ziti always reminds me of my friend’s wedding when we made a massive batch together. Everyone devoured it!

FAQ

What type of pasta is best for Baked Ziti?

Ziti, penne, or rigatoni work perfectly due to their shapes holding sauce well.

Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

How can I make Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Simply omit any meat and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for great flavor.

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Perfectly Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that combines layers of ziti, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese—perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente. Drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add ground meat; cook until browned (7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Mix ricotta with salt and pepper in a bowl.
6. In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, half of the ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• For a vegetarian version, simply skip the meat and include extra veggies.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg