Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re ready to enjoy pure comfort in casserole form, Baked Ziti is the answer. With tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, and melty layers of cheese, this beloved Italian-American dish has everything you love in a cozy weeknight dinner—or a special Sunday supper—without fuss or fancy steps!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This is the kind of recipe where each ingredient shines. From the pasta and rich meat sauce to those layers of gooey cheese, every part plays a key role in bringing classic Baked Ziti magic to your table—nothing complicated, just pure comfort with every forkful.

• Ziti Pasta: Short and sturdy, ziti is perfect for catching all that amazing sauce and cheese—don’t overcook it, as it will soften more when baked.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the savory meat sauce; chop it finely so it blends right in.
• Lean Ground Beef: Brings hearty, satisfying flavor to the sauce without too much grease; you can sub with ground turkey or sausage if you like.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Using jarred sauce keeps things easy—pick your favorite brand and style for an effortless, flavorful base.
• Provolone Cheese, Sliced: Melts beautifully into a mild, creamy layer that makes every bite a cheese lover’s dream.
• Sour Cream: This is the secret twist—sour cream adds silkiness and tang, balancing all the richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: For that irresistible gooey cheese pull on top, mozzarella is a classic choice.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan to finish brings sharp, nutty flavor and a golden, bubbly crust.

Variations

The beauty of Baked Ziti is how endlessly adaptable it is. Whether you have special dietary needs, a different stash of cheese in your fridge, or just love experimenting with bold flavors, there’s a perfect ziti for everyone—feel free to make it truly your own!

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Swap in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of beef for a fresh, veggie-packed supper.
• Spicy Sausage Twist: Use Italian sausage—mild or hot—in place of the ground beef for big, bold flavor and a little kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute the ziti pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or low-carb noodles for a lighter spin.
• Extra Cheesy: Pile on some ricotta or fontina cheese for added creaminess and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Bring a big pot of lightly salted water to a boil, then add the dry ziti pasta. Cook just until al dente—about 8 minutes—so the noodles keep their shape and don’t get mushy after baking. Drain completely and set aside; you want the noodles to be ready for layering!

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Meanwhile, brown the chopped onion and ground beef together in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the beef and cook until no pink remains. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it all gently simmer for about 15 minutes—the flavors will blend, and your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading half the cooked ziti pasta in an even layer. Top with all the Provolone cheese slices, then dollop and spread the sour cream over the cheese. Add half the meat sauce on top, followed by the rest of the ziti, mozzarella cheese, and then the remaining sauce. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over everything.

Step 4: Bake!

Bake the layered ziti in your preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling at the edges and the cheese is deliciously melted and golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set up into perfect, cheesy squares.

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Baked Ziti practically begs for a fresh, colorful finish—think a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley for brightness, a dusting of extra Parmesan for extra savoriness, or even a scatter of red pepper flakes if you want a gentle kick. These little touches make each serving look and taste like it came straight from a trattoria!

Side Dishes

This rich casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, garlicky bread for soaking up sauce, or a platter of roasted vegetables that complement all the cheesy layers. Don’t forget a glass of red wine or sparkling water for the perfect Italian-American meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve Baked Ziti straight from the casserole for a rustic, family-style vibe, or cut into neat squares and plate with a swirl of extra sauce for a more elegant touch. Individual ramekins make adorable single servings—perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Ziti keeps incredibly well! Simply cover your baking dish with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers; refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and meld, making each reheated bite even more comforting than the last.

Freezing

To freeze, let your ziti cool completely and wrap the entire dish tightly in both plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a warm, cheesy meal in minutes.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Baked Ziti in a 350°F oven, covered with foil until bubbling (about 20–30 minutes). For individual portions, a microwave works well, but add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep things deliciously moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as soul-soothing as it is simple, let Baked Ziti become your new household favorite. It’s warm, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable—so gather your loved ones, serve up heaping portions, and savor every cheesy forkful. Enjoy!

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