Name: Best Ever Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage); 28 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain); 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’re in the mood for a hearty, satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in, then this Best Ever Baked Ziti recipe is just what you need. With a blend of ziti pasta, savory ground beef (or sausage), flavorful marinara sauce, and a trio of mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh mozzarella cheeses, this dish is everything you could want in a comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare and can be assembled ahead of time, making it ideal for busy nights when you need a home-cooked meal without all the hassle.

This baked ziti delivers the right balance of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and tangy sauce, all baked to perfection until bubbling and golden. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it as leftovers, this baked ziti will undoubtedly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

The combination of pasta, meat, and melted cheese makes this baked ziti a rich and satisfying meal that will keep you full and content.

2. Cheesy Perfection

With a mix of fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is loaded with cheese, offering a melty, gooey texture in every bite.

3. Flavorful and Savory

The ground beef (or sausage), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning add a savory depth of flavor, while the marinara and diced tomatoes provide the perfect tanginess.

4. Quick and Easy

This recipe is simple to make and doesn’t require complicated techniques, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

Like most pasta dishes, this baked ziti gets better with time. It’s great for meal prep or as a dish to enjoy the next day.

Ingredients

Ziti pasta
Ground beef (or ground sausage)
Marinara sauce (or store-bought)
Canned diced tomatoes (don’t drain)
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Fresh mozzarella cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

Meat Choices: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat entirely and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy Ziti: Add red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a little extra kick.
Cheese Variations: Swap in provolone or fontina cheese for a different melt and flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted water, cook the ziti pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and return the meat to the skillet.

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasonings

To the cooked meat, stir in the marinara sauce, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of fresh mozzarella slices on top, then cover with the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Add More Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra cheesy dish.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Sauce Variations: Use your favorite marinara sauce, or make your own for a more personalized flavor.

How to Serve

Baked ziti is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For drinks, pair it with a glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Merlot, to complement the Italian flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the center is hot and the cheese is melted.

FAQs

1. Can I use penne pasta instead of ziti?

Yes, penne works perfectly well as a substitute for ziti in this recipe.

2. Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add extra time if baking from the fridge.

3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works well in this recipe, but homemade sauce will add a more personalized touch.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a lighter version.

5. Is there a way to make baked ziti spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

7. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

8. How can I prevent the cheese from burning?

Make sure to cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to prevent the cheese from burning. Remove the foil toward the end to allow the top to brown.

9. Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or ricotta for a different texture and flavor.

10. How long does baked ziti last in the fridge?

Baked ziti will last in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Best Ever Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and plenty of cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, this baked ziti will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!