Baked Ziti Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Baked Ziti Recipe. This dish is bubbling with gooey cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly baked noodles—all coming together in one glorious pan. Whether for weeknight comfort or feeding a roomful of hungry friends, this Baked Ziti Recipe balances robust Italian flavors with the kind of creamy, cheesy filling that just makes everyone happy. Grab your biggest casserole dish—let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Baked Ziti Recipe is wonderfully straightforward! Every item brings something special, from silky ricotta and melty fontina to a zingy homemade tomato sauce. Each layer builds bold flavor, irresistible texture, and that inviting golden-brown top.
- Olive Oil: Adds a luscious base that softens the onions and elevates the sauce’s richness.
- Large Onion (finely diced): Gives a sweet aroma and depth to the hearty meat sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for bold, classic Italian flavor—don’t skimp!
- Red Pepper Flakes: A dash for gentle heat and complexity in every bite.
- 85% Lean Ground Beef: Meaty, robust, and full of satisfying flavor.
- Italian Sausage (sweet or spicy): Infuses the sauce with savory spices and extra tenderness.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Red Wine (or Beef Broth): Adds depth; the wine’s tang brightens everything while broth keeps it kid-friendly.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings all the traditional Mediterranean herbs together in one easy spoon.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the rich, chunky sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Simple and essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a pinch smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil & Parsley: Deliver herby freshness and splash gorgeous green color throughout.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, cloud-like texture in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese (finely grated): Salty, nutty depth that pulls all the elements together.
- Fontina Cheese (coarsely grated & cubed): Melts beautifully and tastes slightly sweet and sharp.
- Egg & Egg Yolk: Bind the ricotta layer, making it rich and fluffy.
- Ziti Noodles (or Penne): Holds plenty of sauce inside every tube for the perfect bite.
- Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Nothing beats that stretchy, golden cheese top!
- Fresh Parsley (for serving): The finishing touch—fresh, bright, and inviting.
How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in your finely diced onion, letting it soften until beautifully translucent—about 6 to 8 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and those vibrant red pepper flakes, letting their fragrance bloom and warm up the kitchen. This is the flavor foundation that sets the tone for your Baked Ziti Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage right to the pan, breaking it apart with a sturdy wooden spoon. Cook until the meat loses all its pinkness and gets those slightly crispy, caramelized edges—roughly 5 minutes. For a lighter but still rich finish, drain off about half the fat, leaving behind enough to carry the flavor through the sauce.
Step 3: Build a Robust Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook a minute or two until it deepens in color. Pour in the red wine (or beef broth) and mix well, letting the liquid reduce for about 5 minutes to concentrate its flavors. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then tip in your crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then let the sauce simmer on medium-low for 45 minutes, stirring every so often to avoid sticking.
Step 4: Brighten and Finish the Sauce
As the sauce thickens, it’s time to round out the flavors—add a pinch of sugar, chopped basil, and fresh parsley. Simmer for another 15 minutes, giving the whole pot a taste and adding extra salt and pepper if needed. Once it’s just right, take the sauce off the heat and let it cool slightly. You can make this sauce up to three days ahead—it only gets better as the flavors meld together in the fridge!
Step 5: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, parmesan, coarsely grated fontina, chopped parsley, chopped basil, egg, egg yolk, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is just smooth. This cheesy filling will bring luscious creaminess and bind everything together in your Baked Ziti Recipe.
Step 6: Prep the Pasta and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Boil a large pot of water, salt it well, then add your ziti noodles. Cook for exactly 4 minutes—the pasta should be extremely al dente, as it continues softening in the oven. Drain and cool under cold water, then mix the pasta with about 1 and 1/2 cups of that rich meat sauce.
Step 7: Layer It Up
Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Drop half of the ricotta mixture in generous spoonfuls across the sauce. Next, add all your saucy pasta, then pour what’s left of the meat sauce right over top. Dot the remaining ricotta mixture throughout for delicious surprise pockets of cheese. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and scatter the cubed fontina for gooey, stretchy perfection. You can pop this straight in the oven, refrigerate for a day, or freeze for future cravings.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For that irresistible golden crunch, turn on the broiler for 30 seconds to a minute at the end—just keep a close eye. Once out and steaming, finish with a final flourish of fresh chopped parsley and serve your masterpiece hot and melty!
How to Serve Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
No Baked Ziti Recipe is complete without a scattering of freshly chopped parsley or basil—anything green for a pop of color. For bonus flavor, you can even zest a bit of lemon or add shavings of parmesan on top just before serving. These final touches make everything look festive and taste even brighter.
Side Dishes
This Baked Ziti Recipe absolutely loves a crisp, zesty green salad—try arugula with balsamic vinaigrette—or simple roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. And of course, a loaf of garlic bread to soak up that extra sauce is an absolute must on the side. With these pairings, every bite feels like pure Italian comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, try baking mini ziti in individual ramekins for personalized servings! Or, for a rustic look, bring the whole bubbling casserole straight to the table and let everyone dig in. Even scooping leftovers into a sandwich roll makes for a fun next-day lunch twist. This Baked Ziti Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Ziti Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to four days—ideal for quick, flavorful lunches or easy dinners all week.
Freezing
This Baked Ziti Recipe is perfect for making in advance. Assemble it right up to the baking step, then tightly wrap the dish in foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed—great for planning ahead or gifting to friends in need of a homemade meal.
Reheating
To reheat slices or the whole tray, cover loosely with foil and bake at 350 degrees F until heated through—usually about 15 to 20 minutes for a small portion. You can also microwave pieces, though the oven keeps that cheesy top at its best. If your ziti seems a little dry, splash in a bit of extra sauce or a drizzle of olive oil before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use penne or another pasta shape instead of ziti?
Absolutely! While ziti’s tube shape is classic, penne or even rigatoni work beautifully in the Baked Ziti Recipe since they’re sturdy and hold sauce really well. Just be sure to cook them very al dente—pasta will soften further as it bakes.
What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe by swapping the beef and sausage for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Consider adding lentils or veggie crumbles for extra protein if desired.
Do I have to use red wine in the sauce?
Not at all! Red wine adds richness, but beef broth, veggie broth, or even just water will do the trick. If you skip the wine entirely, consider adding a splash of balsamic for tang and depth.
Can I assemble Baked Ziti Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes entertaining (or meal prepping) a breeze and actually gives time for the flavors to meld even more.
How can I get that perfectly golden, bubbly cheese topping?
For the best cheese crust, broil your Baked Ziti Recipe for the final 30-60 seconds after baking. Just watch closely so it doesn’t burn—those few seconds under the broiler make all the difference in color and delicious texture.
Final Thoughts
Baked Ziti Recipe is the kind of dish that turns any evening into a cozy celebration—every scoop is full of comforting flavors and gooey cheese. Whether for a special gathering or a spontaneous family meal, you really can’t go wrong. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, and feel free to share it with someone you know will love it just as much as you do!
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Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of ziti pasta, flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a delicious baked pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or spicy
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine or beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, more to taste
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 5 ounces fontina cheese, coarsely grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons basil, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Baked Ziti:
- 1 pound ziti noodles or penne
- 4 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, finely shredded
- 4 ounces fontina cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for serving)
Instructions
- For the Sauce: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, then add beef and sausage. Cook until browned, drain half the fat. Stir in tomato paste, wine, Italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes, then add sugar, basil, and parsley. Cool before using.
- For the Ricotta Mixture: Combine ricotta, parmesan, fontina, parsley, basil, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Assembling and Baking the Baked Ziti: Preheat oven, boil ziti for 4 minutes, drain, and mix with meat sauce. Layer sauce, ricotta mixture, pasta, remaining sauce, remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and fontina in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Pasta, Comfort Food, Italian, Casserole
