Baked ziti is a timeless Italian-American classic that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With its hearty layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite for family dinners and gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this easy baked ziti recipe is perfect for creating a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
Imagine a dish where tender ziti pasta is enveloped in a savory meat sauce, accented by creamy sour cream and a trio of cheeses that melt into a golden, bubbly topping. This recipe delivers all that and more, offering a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delightful baked ziti:
- 12 ounces ziti pasta: Long, tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides protein and a hearty base.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances acidity.
- 1 cup provolone cheese, sliced: Melts smoothly for a creamy layer.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Creates a gooey, bubbly top.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Offers a salty, nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For garnish and added flavor.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering baked ziti:
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Cook Ziti: Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Assemble the Baked Ziti
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
- Layer Pasta and Sauce: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti evenly on the bottom.
- Add Provolone and Sour Cream: Layer the sliced provolone cheese over the pasta, then dollop the sour cream evenly on top.
- Add Meat Sauce and Remaining Pasta: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the sour cream, followed by the remaining ziti.
- Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then add the grated Parmesan for a flavorful crust.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Cover and Bake: Tent the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slightly golden top.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Achieve restaurant-quality baked ziti by following these expert tips:
- Use Quality Sauce: A flavorful marinara or homemade tomato sauce makes a significant difference in the overall taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the ziti al dente ensures it holds up during baking and maintains a pleasing texture.
- Cheese Matters: Combining different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
Baked ziti is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ways to customize the recipe to your liking:
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even plant-based meat for a different flavor profile.
- Different Pasta Shapes: If you can’t find ziti, use penne, rigatoni, or even shells. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the sauce well.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or roasted red peppers for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as ricotta for creaminess or fontina for a slightly sweet flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
Complete your meal with these delicious side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing complements the richness of baked ziti.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add a healthy and flavorful touch to the meal.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats makes for a great starter.
How to Store and Reheat
Baked ziti is ideal for leftovers and can be stored easily:
To Store:
- Refrigerate: Place leftover baked ziti in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in freezer bags. Frozen baked ziti lasts for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave Method: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Make Ahead:
- Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the baked ziti up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
Baked ziti is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a comforting meal that brings people together. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple in many households, and with this easy recipe, you can create a delicious version that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, baked ziti is the perfect choice for a satisfying and memorable meal.
Baked Ziti (Easy Recipe)
Nothing quite beats a classic baked ziti! It is made with ground beef, pasta, spaghetti sauce, and loads of cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food dish!
Ingredients
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound dry ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce (26 ounces each)
- 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta in the boiling water until it is al dente. This process takes about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and continue cooking. Stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the baking dish. Top it with the sliced provolone cheese. Add the sour cream and half of the meat sauce. Then, layer the remaining ziti. Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until it is heated through. Make sure the cheese has melted. This should take about 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
