traditional baked ziti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best traditional baked ziti recipe

I’ve been making traditional baked ziti for years, and it’s still a family favorite. This classic Italian-American dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

I love how the combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that my kids always devour. The best part?

It’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies, too – my kids will happily chomp on a serving of steamed broccoli if it means they get to follow up with a big ol’ helping of ziti. One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is the flexibility it offers – you can easily customize it to suit your tastes by adding in different meats, veggies, or spices.

And let’s not forget the leftovers: this dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or when you need a quick lunch on-the-go. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made this recipe for our family gatherings – it’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike!

My husband raves about the leftovers, too – he’ll often request it for his lunch the next day. And have I mentioned how easy it is to make?

With just 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy families like mine who need something quick yet satisfying.

Traditional Baked Ziti

Traditional Baked Ziti

4.8 from 1595 votes

A classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring ziti pasta baked in a rich tomato sauce with layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layers

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
5While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
7Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes.
8Drain any excess fat.
9Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
10Season with salt and black pepper.
11Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
13Stir until smooth and well blended.
14Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish.
15Add half of the cooked ziti, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread gently.
16Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
17Layer the remaining ziti on top, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture.
18Pour the rest of the meat sauce over everything and top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella.
19Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
20Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden, about 15 minutes more.
21Let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
22Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add 2 cups of chopped mushrooms or zucchini. You can also substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if desired.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Baked Ziti Works

This traditional baked ziti recipe never fails me – whether I’m feeding a crowd or just need something comforting after a long day. It’s an all-around winner that works well for any occasion and has become a staple in my household.

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, leftover ziti will keep for up to three days; reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly. If you’re looking for some fun ways to serve this dish beyond just plain old plates – consider serving it at potlucks or family gatherings with some creative presentation ideas like colorful napkins or garnishes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti

Q1: What’s the origin of traditional baked ziti?

Traditional baked ziti has its roots in Italian cuisine, specifically in the southern regions where pasta was often baked with meat sauces and ricotta cheese.

Q2: How do I know if my ziti is cooked through?

Check the pasta by cutting into one of the tubes; if it’s still al dente (firm to the bite), continue baking until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Q3: Can I substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or pork as an alternative to beef; simply cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the sauce.

Q4: How do I prevent the ziti from becoming dry?

To avoid dryness, ensure that you’re using enough sauce (about 1 cup per pound of pasta) and that you’re not overbaking the pasta.

Q5: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can assemble and refrigerate the casserole overnight; then bake it in the morning. This will help reduce cooking time and make meal prep easier.

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