Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines tender ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella. This dish is a classic Italian-American favorite that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy meal with loved ones. With its layers of rich meat sauce and cheesy goodness, this baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The best part about this dish is that it’s simple to prepare, and you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a busy day. The meat sauce is rich and flavorful, and the cheese filling makes each bite creamy and satisfying. Whether served with a side salad or garlic bread, this baked ziti is a complete and delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

With a combination of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, this dish is incredibly filling and comforting, making it perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

2. Cheesy Goodness

The blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses creates a creamy and cheesy texture that melts perfectly in the oven.

3. Simple Ingredients

Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this baked ziti is both budget-friendly and quick to prepare.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can assemble this dish ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests with minimal effort.

5. Versatile

While this recipe uses ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, sausage, or even a meatless version for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• Extra lean ground beef
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Prepared marinara sauce

For the Ziti:

• Ziti pasta
• Ricotta cheese
• Large egg
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Parsley
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

Variations

• Use Different Meat: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner or different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a meatless baked ziti.
• Cheese Additions: Add some grated Parmesan or provolone cheese to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
• Spicy Ziti: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some over the top before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Once the beef is fully cooked, add the marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it evenly. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Add another layer of the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once baked, allow the ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to ensure the sauce thickens and the layers set.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the oven, cook it to al dente (slightly firm) so it doesn’t become too soft during baking.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley can add a burst of flavor to the ricotta mixture. If available, try fresh basil or oregano.
• Add More Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, you can sprinkle more mozzarella on top before baking.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Be sure your baking dish is large enough to hold all of the layers comfortably. If the dish is too crowded, the sauce may not cook properly.

How to Serve

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a complete meal that pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread. For a more decadent meal, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the ziti cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. To prevent the pasta from drying out, cover it with foil when reheating in the oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or shells.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It may need an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time if it’s chilled.

3. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight and bake as instructed.

4. Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.

5. Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, stir in red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.

7. Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and will still yield a delicious baked ziti.

8. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but you can also use homemade marinara sauce for a more personalized touch.

9. Can I use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of fresh mozzarella?

Yes, shredded mozzarella cheese will work just fine for this recipe. Fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully, but shredded mozzarella is also a great option.

10. Can I make a vegetarian version of baked ziti?

Yes, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, or use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella in a baked pasta dish that everyone will love. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Whether you make it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or serve it fresh, this baked ziti will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

Print