baked ziti casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
baked ziti casserole recipe
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The Best baked ziti casserole recipe

This baked ziti casserole recipe is a staple in my household. It’s a classic Italian dish that never fails to impress my family and friends.

I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy melted mozzarella cheese is a match made in heaven.

This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part?

It’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Classic Baked Ziti Casserole

Classic Baked Ziti Casserole

4.9 from 1787 votes

This hearty baked ziti casserole combines tender pasta with a rich tomato meat sauce and a blend of melted mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. It is a comforting family meal that is easy to assemble and bakes to golden perfection.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Meat Sauce

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

For the Cheese Mixture and Topping

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
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, stirring occasionally.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
5While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
7Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
8Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
10Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
11Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
12Remove the skillet from the heat.
13In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
14Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
15Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1 cup) over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
16Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
17Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
18Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella.
19Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the pasta.
20Sprinkle the final cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
21Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
22Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
23Let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
24Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

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

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add 2 cups of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of spinach to the sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef.

Watch Video Of How Classic Baked Ziti Casserole Works

To store leftover baked ziti, let it cool completely then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days.

For reheating, I like to place individual servings in the microwave for about two minutes or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly. You can also add a splash of milk or extra sauce before reheating to keep the pasta moist.

This baked ziti casserole is always a good idea for any occasion because it feeds a crowd, tastes amazing, and reheats beautifully. I serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that my whole family looks forward to.

Whether it is a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this dish never lets me down.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti Casserole

1. What is baked ziti casserole?

Baked ziti casserole is a traditional Italian-American dish made with ziti pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s typically baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.

2. How long does it take to make baked ziti casserole?

The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, while the cooking time is about 25-30 minutes. You can also prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

3. Can I make baked ziti casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant. Simply omit the ground beef from the meat sauce and add your preferred vegetarian protein source.

4. How do I store leftover baked ziti casserole?

To store leftover baked ziti casserole, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate or freeze the dish for up to 3 days or 2 months respectively.

5. Can I reheat baked ziti casserole in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat baked ziti casserole in the microwave using short intervals (30 seconds) until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat as this may cause the cheese to become rubbery.

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