why make this recipe
Best Ever Baked Ziti is warm, cheesy, and easy to feed a group. It uses simple ingredients and works for weeknights or a weekend dinner. Many people like it for holiday sides and family meals. It fits with other comfort dishes like a hearty pot roast for a full, cozy meal.
introduction
This baked ziti mixes pasta, cheese, and meat in a tomato sauce. It cooks in one dish and tastes better the next day. You can make it ahead and bake it when guests arrive. If you want a different cooking method, try a slow-cooker version in place of the oven.
how to make Best Ever Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta until it is al dente, not soft. Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet, then drain the extra fat. Stir the marinara into the cooked meat and let it simmer a few minutes to blend flavors. In a large bowl, mix the drained pasta with ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and fresh basil. In a baking dish, put half the meat sauce on the bottom, then half the pasta mix. Repeat the layers. Top with the rest of the cheese, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
If you prefer to cook without the oven, you can try a crockpot alternative that keeps the same flavors and makes hands-off cooking simple: crockpot baked ziti.
Ingredients :
1 pound ziti pasta, 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 4 cups marinara sauce, 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, Fresh basil (to taste)
Directions :
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente., In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage for about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat., Stir in the marinara sauce with the meat mixture; let simmer for about 5 minutes., In a large bowl, mix the drained pasta with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and fresh basil., In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce on the bottom, followed by half of the pasta mixture. Repeat layers., Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
how to serve Best Ever Baked Ziti
Let the ziti rest 5 to 10 minutes after baking so it firms up. Serve with a green salad or garlic bread. For a casual buffet or mixed menu, add a simple warm side like a light breakfast item to please guests, for example a breakfast burrito at a brunch-style gathering.
how to store Best Ever Baked Ziti
Cool the baked ziti to room temperature before storing. Put leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap the dish tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave single portions until hot.
tips to make Best Ever Baked Ziti
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente holds up in the bake.
- Use fresh basil for a bright taste.
- Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Mix cheeses well so you get even melting.
- Let it rest before cutting to keep neat slices.
variation (if any)
- Make it vegetarian: skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Use Italian sausage for more spice, or ground beef for a milder flavor.
- Try ricotta mixed with an egg for a firmer filling.
- Make a white sauce version with béchamel instead of marinara.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
A: Yes. Penne or rigatoni work well because they hold sauce.
Q: Do I have to brown the meat first?
A: Browning builds flavor. You can skip it, but the dish will be less rich.
Q: Can I assemble ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and keep covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Q: How do I get the top extra bubbly and golden?
A: Remove the foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking and broil briefly if needed. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Conclusion
For another well-rated version and extra tips, see The Best Baked Ziti Recipe – Allrecipes.
Best Ever Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage for about 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce with the meat mixture and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix the drained pasta with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and fresh basil.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce on the bottom, followed by half of the pasta mixture. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.