Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

This Italian-American favorite brings comfort food to a whole new level! With layers of tender pasta, savory marinara sauce, rich cheese, and hearty ground meat, baked ziti is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. The best part? You can make it ahead and bake it just when you’re ready for a warm, comforting dinner.

Ingredients

To make a classic baked ziti, you’ll need:

• Ziti pasta (or any similar pasta like penne)
• Marinara sauce – homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference
• Ground meat – beef, pork, or Italian sausage
• Cheese – a mix of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan
• Italian seasoning – for added flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Make sure it’s al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Undercook the pasta slightly if you plan to make this dish ahead of time. This prevents it from getting mushy when reheated.

2. Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and add the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

3. Layer the Ziti

In a large baking dish, layer the ingredients as follows:

1. A light layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
2. Half of the pasta.
3. Half of the meat sauce.
4. Half of the ricotta, dolloped evenly.
5. Half of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Repeat the layers, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

4. Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Pro Tip: If you like a crispy topping, broil the ziti for the last 2-3 minutes – just keep a close eye on it!

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground meat and add a medley of sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.

Extra-Cheesy Ziti: For cheese lovers, add a layer of shredded cheddar or provolone for a twist on the traditional flavors.

Spicy Ziti: For a kick, stir some crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad. The creamy, cheesy pasta paired with the crispness of a salad makes for the perfect combination!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: Assemble the ziti in your baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing: Baked ziti freezes well! Freeze assembled and unbaked ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

Baked ziti is the answer to any busy evening or cozy family gathering. With its rich layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too.