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Title: The Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe: A Comforting Italian Classic
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as baked ziti. This hearty, cheesy, and flavorful Italian-American dish combines perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese for an experience that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or a casual weeknight meal, Ultimate Baked Ziti is the kind of recipe that never disappoints.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make the ultimate baked ziti, with layers of cheesy goodness, a deliciously savory sauce, and pasta that’s perfectly baked. Follow along, and you’ll have a warm, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe
- Comforting and Filling: Baked ziti is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, and filling—perfect for a cozy family meal or serving a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep or making in advance. You can prepare it a day ahead and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable: While the classic baked ziti is great as-is, you can add different proteins, vegetables, or seasoning to make it your own. Ground beef, sausage, or even mushrooms work wonderfully!
- Family-Friendly: With its familiar flavors, baked ziti is a hit with both kids and adults, making it the perfect choice for a family dinner.
Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade marinara sauce)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage), and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, then add the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. The egg will help bind the mixture together and create a creamy filling.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble your baked ziti.
- In a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, spreading it out evenly.
- Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it gently with a spatula.
- Add half of the remaining sauce over the ricotta layer, then s
