Cheesy Baked Ziti Easy Dinner
Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food – a warm, cheesy hug in a dish. This easy baked ziti recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. It combines tender ziti pasta with a rich, flavorful meat sauce and a creamy, cheesy topping that will leave everyone wanting more.
Why This Baked Ziti Recipe is a Winner
This isn’t just another pasta bake. We’re focusing on simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why this recipe is a guaranteed hit:
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves pasta, especially when it’s smothered in cheese and a delicious sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the ziti ahead of time and bake it later, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients that are readily available.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding vegetables, changing the cheese, or using different types of meat.
The Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Ziti
The beauty of baked ziti lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- Ziti Pasta: The classic choice for baked ziti. You can substitute penne or rigatoni if needed. One pound is standard for a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Ground Meat: Ground beef is traditional, but ground sausage (Italian or sweet), turkey, or a combination works wonderfully. Aim for a pound of your chosen protein.
- Tomato Sauce: A good quality canned tomato sauce forms the base of the sauce. Consider using a brand you trust for the best flavor. 24-28 ounces is a good starting point.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Adding crushed tomatoes provides texture and depth to the sauce. A 28-ounce can is ideal.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness. A small can (6 ounces) is all you need.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a flavorful base for the sauce. One medium onion and a few cloves of garlic will do the trick.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds a touch of Italian flavor. You can use a pre-made mix or create your own with oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is a key component of the cheesy filling. Whole milk ricotta is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The ultimate melting cheese, mozzarella creates a gooey and delicious topping. Use shredded mozzarella for even coverage.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory flavor to the topping. Grated Parmesan cheese is perfect for this.
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture together.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the sauce and ricotta mixture to taste.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cheesy Baked Ziti
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying baked ziti:
1. Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside. Al dente pasta will prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
2. Make the Meat Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This creates the creamy layer within the baked ziti.
5. Assemble the Ziti: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Add half of the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture.
6. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti. This creates the golden brown, bubbly cheese topping.
7. Bake the Ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
8. Let it Rest: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Variations and Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Want to personalize your baked ziti? Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the meat and add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
- Spicy Baked Ziti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Creamy Baked Ziti: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or Gruyere.
- Add Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano can be added to the sauce or as a garnish.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti pasta.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella cheese alternatives.
- Prevent Soggy Ziti: Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. Also, make sure to drain the pasta well.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of the final dish. Choose a good quality tomato sauce and fresh cheeses.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: If you’re using a smaller baking dish, you may need to reduce the amount of ingredients. Overcrowding the dish can result in uneven cooking.
Serving and Storing Your Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve baked ziti with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat baked ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or tomato sauce to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: Baked ziti can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: Can I freeze baked ziti?
A: Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or storing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
A: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese (drained well), mascarpone cheese, or even a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or other similar pasta shapes for ziti.
Q: How do I prevent the baked ziti from drying out?
A: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first part of the baking time to help retain moisture. You can also add a splash of water or tomato sauce to the dish when reheating.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the baked ziti?
A: Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are all great additions to baked ziti. Add them to the sauce while it’s simmering.
