When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartiness of Classic Baked Ziti. This Italian-American favorite is a staple at family dinners, potlucks, and special gatherings, thanks to its rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly baked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy meal at home, this baked pasta dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Classic Baked Ziti, from ingredient selection to expert cooking tips and variations. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Classic Baked Ziti
A great Classic Baked Ziti starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pasta & Cheese:
- 1 pound ziti pasta – Cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess to the dish.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Enhances the dish with a sharp, nutty flavor.
Sauce & Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds a subtle sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Brings out rich, aromatic flavors.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – For a meaty depth (optional for a vegetarian version).
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes – The base of the sauce.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce – Adds depth and richness.
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste – Thickens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Essential for Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Adds a fragrant touch.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of spice.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Optional for a little heat.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – Helps cut acidity in the tomatoes.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley – For a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the ziti and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions suggest).
- Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef or sausage (if using) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
- Simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Stir well to combine.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and half of the sauce.
- Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Classic Baked Ziti
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid overcooked, mushy noodles.
- Let it rest before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy future meal.
Variations & Additions
Meat Variations:
- Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
- Try ground turkey for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti:
- Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty, veggie-packed version.
Cheesy Upgrade:
- Add burrata cheese on top before serving for an extra creamy texture.
Spicy Version:
- Increase the red pepper flakes and add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a fiery touch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Classic Baked Ziti with:
- Garlic bread – The perfect side to soak up the sauce.
- Simple green salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich dish.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables – For a well-rounded meal.
- A glass of red wine – Such as Chianti or Merlot for an authentic Italian experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or meal prepping for the week, this baked pasta dish never disappoints. Try it today and experience the joy of a warm, cheesy, and flavorful meal that brings everyone to the table!
Classic Baked Ziti Recipe
Description
This Classic Baked Ziti is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting Italian-American favorite! Made with layers of al dente pasta, rich and flavorful tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, this baked pasta dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings. A golden, bubbly top makes it irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
For the Meat Sauce:
For the Cheese Mixture:
For Assembly:
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, dried basil, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Baked Ziti
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Ziti
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let it Rest & Serve
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Note
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for best results.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled (unbaked) ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Variations: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor, or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian twist.
Easy, Family-friendly, Comfort food, Italian, Cheesy
