This Baked Ziti comes together in about 40 minutes and involves one pan to make a quick and simple weeknight dinner that your family will love! Trust me, this comforting dish will make everyone at your table happy and maybe even save you a little time in the kitchen.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s talk ingredients, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious baked ziti recipe:
- 1 pound ziti pasta: You can substitute with penne or any other pasta shape you prefer; just keep an eye on the cooking time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: I like to use extra virgin for that extra flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Helps build a delicious flavor base; yellow or white onions work great here!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because we all know garlic is the best! Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover like me.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Both options are fantastic. I tend to lean toward sausage for that extra kick, but ground turkey is a great lighter option too!
- 2 cups marinara sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade, whatever is easiest for you.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and dreamy! It adds a lovely richness to your baked ziti.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: There’s nothing quite like gooey, melted cheese!
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Because cheese makes everything better.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A little sprinkle of this adds tons of flavor!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season along the way!
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): If you have it on hand, it brightens up the dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when you’re ready to throw your baked ziti in!
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. You don’t want it mushy since it’ll cook further in the oven.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent (just about 2-3 minutes). Your kitchen should smell incredible right about now!
Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Make sure to drain the excess fat for a cleaner taste.
Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. It’s all about marrying those flavors!
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined. You’ll want to get every inch coated, trust me!
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Because more cheese is always better, am I right?
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This keeps everything nice and juicy.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Ooooh, those golden edges are calling your name!
Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil if you’d like, and serve it up!
There you go! You’ve made a fantastic batch of baked ziti that’s loaded with cheesy goodness!
If you loved this baked ziti, be sure to check out my Baba Ganoush or my Broccoli Cheddar Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This baked ziti comes together in under 40 minutes. Perfect when you’re juggling work, chores, and the kids’ homework, right? Seriously, it’s so fast, you might find yourself making this a weekly staple!
One-Pan Wonder
Everything is cooked in one pot, so minimal cleanup is required. That’s music to my ears after a long day, fewer dishes to scrub are a win in my book!
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank. Plus, you can often find most of these items already stocked in your pantry!
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! I mean, who can resist a cheesy pasta dish? My picky son eats two servings every time!
Customizable
You can adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Use whatever meats, cheeses, or even vegetables you need to get rid of. This is the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge meal!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Baked Ziti
Serve your baked ziti with a side salad, crusty garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over your salad!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
This baked ziti keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have dinner covered for a few days, woohoo!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You could use the microwave, but I prefer the oven for that crispy cheese topping!
Freezer-Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this baked ziti for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before sealing it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
The Secret to a Delicious Experience
The secret to a delicious baked ziti is layering flavors and textures. The creamy ricotta contrasts nicely with the rich meat sauce, and let’s not forget that stretchy mozzarella cheese topping. You really can’t go wrong here!
Perfect for Meal Prep
You’ll find this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Heat-and-eat meals? Yes, please!
Loaded with Tons of Flavor
With the right seasoning and quality ingredients, this baked ziti is loaded with tons of flavor that will make everyone come back for seconds, yes, even your pickiest eaters!
Vegetarian Options
Oh, and if you want to switch it up for a vegetarian version, just skip the meat altogether and throw in some sautéed veggies! Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers are fantastic choices.
A Family Tradition
This recipe has been passed down in my family, making it a cherished tradition. My kids look forward to it, and let’s be honest, they get truly excited when they hear I’m making baked ziti. And the best part is, it’s easy enough for them to lend a hand in the kitchen!
So, gather your loved ones around, make this amazing baked ziti, and enjoy a cozy night in. Because nothing says love like a cheesy pasta bake!
There you go, you’ve got a warm, inviting baked ziti recipe that’s not just easy to make, but also guaranteed to bring the family together. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking!
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Quick and Easy Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy Baked Ziti comes together in about 40 minutes and is a quick, comforting dish that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, bringing to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella cheese in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve.
Notes
This dish can be customized with various meats and cheeses. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg