baked ziti with meat sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best baked ziti with meat sauce recipe

Baked ziti with meat sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that has been a staple in my family’s meal rotation for years. I remember my mom making it for Sunday dinners, and the aroma of the sauce simmering on the stove always filled the house with a comforting warmth.

This dish is not only delicious but also hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. The combination of tender ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese creates a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone in my family loves.

Baked ziti with meat sauce is a great option for a healthier weeknight dinner, as you can easily adjust the ingredients to make it more nutritious. For example, using lean ground beef or turkey and adding plenty of vegetables to the sauce can boost the nutritional value.

The dish is also versatile and can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences or restrictions. This is a recipe that I love to share with friends and family, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do.

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

4.7 from 1260 votes

Baked ziti with meat sauce is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender ziti pasta tossed in a rich meat sauce and topped with melted cheese. This comforting and flavorful meal is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage.
1 medium onion, finely chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes.
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste.
1/2 cup red wine (optional).
1 tsp dried oregano.
1 tsp dried basil.
1 tsp salt.
1/2 tsp black pepper.
1 tbsp olive oil.

For the Pasta

12 oz ziti pasta.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
1 tbsp olive oil.

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
3Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4Drain excess fat.
5Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
7Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
8Simmer the sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.
9Remove from heat.
10While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
11Drain the pasta and set it aside.
12In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked ziti pasta and the meat sauce.
13Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
14Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
15Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the cheese to help it brown and melt evenly.
16Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
17Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Large pot
9×13-inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Works

Baked ziti with meat sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please.

It is also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prep. You can easily customize this dish to suit your dietary preferences or restrictions, making it a go-to recipe for any gathering.

I always make sure to have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up a pan whenever needed. Be sure to try this recipe and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy in your own kitchen.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

You can use other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni. However, ziti is the traditional choice for this dish and has a great texture and shape to hold the sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to a day ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it is refrigerated. If you freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

3. Can I use a different type of meat in the sauce?

You can substitute ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mix of ground meats for the ground beef in this recipe. You can also make it vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute or adding extra vegetables.

4. Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?

Yes, you can freeze leftover baked ziti. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

5. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the meat sauce in a slow cooker. Combine all the sauce ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Once the sauce is done, cook the pasta and assemble the dish as directed. Then, bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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