Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked ziti bubbling away in the oven. This classic Italian-American dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring layers of tender pasta, hearty sauce, and gooey melted cheese.

I first fell in love with baked ziti at a neighborhood potluck when I was a kid. It was love at first bite, and I’ve spent years perfecting my own version. Now, this recipe is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends.

Why You'll Love This Best Baked Ziti Ever

Get ready to add a new staple to your dinner rotation. This baked ziti is packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to please everyone at the table.

First off, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came straight from a trattoria. No fancy techniques, just good, honest cooking.

This recipe is also a perfect make-ahead option. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or prepping meals for the week, baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and popped in the oven when you’re ready.

And let’s not forget the leftovers. This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a great choice for meal prep or an easy lunch.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version or want to pack it with meat, baked ziti adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this baked ziti lies in its simple ingredients coming together to create layers of flavor and texture.

The pasta is the star of the show. I recommend ziti or penne for their tubular shape, which traps the sauce perfectly. Cook it al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy during baking.

For the sauce, a high-quality marinara is key. Whether you make your own or use your favorite store-bought brand, a rich, flavorful sauce sets the foundation for the dish. I like to add a touch of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for extra depth.

The cheese is where the magic happens. A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the perfect blend of creamy and gooey. Be sure to use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt.

If you’re adding meat, I recommend Italian sausage for its robust flavor. Brown it well to develop those savory notes before mixing it into the sauce.

Finally, you’ll need a sturdy casserole dish for baking. A 9x13-inch dish works perfectly for even cooking and easy serving.

How To Make This Best Baked Ziti Ever

Creating this baked ziti is as simple as layering your ingredients and letting the oven do the rest.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your ziti until al dente. Drain it and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

While the pasta cooks, prepare your sauce. In a large skillet, brown Italian sausage or ground beef, if using, then stir in your marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will add a creamy layer to your ziti.

Now it’s time to assemble. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish to prevent sticking. Add half the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, then repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Storage Options

Baked ziti is a meal prep hero, perfect for leftovers or freezing.

To refrigerate, let the ziti cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

For freezing, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen at 375°F, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating leftovers is simple. Microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about baked ziti is how versatile it is.

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.

Prefer a lighter option? Use whole wheat pasta and low-fat ricotta to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

If you love spice, try using hot Italian sausage or adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Want a heartier dish? Mix cooked ground beef and sausage for a meat-lovers’ take on this classic recipe.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. Try a blend of provolone and asiago for a unique twist, or add a touch of smoked mozzarella for depth.

With so many options, baked ziti is a dish that encourages creativity and suits any palate.

Enjoy making this recipe your own and sharing it with the people you love!

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