Baked Ziti
A cozy, cheesy pasta casserole made with ziti noodles, savory tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef (or sausage), and plenty of melted mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Baked Ziti Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta or penne if that’s what’s in your pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 jar about 24 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red chili flakes optional, for a little kick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan
Optional Decorations
- Fresh basil leaves for that fancy touch
- Extra parmesan sprinkled on top
- A drizzle of olive oil before serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Don’t overcook — the pasta will keep cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In a big pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until soft, then toss in garlic. Add the ground beef or chicken and cook until browned. Pour in your tomato sauce, sprinkle in oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until the flavors get cozy with each other.
Mix It Up
- In a big bowl, combine the cooked pasta with most of the sauce (save a little for later). Toss in half the mozzarella and half the parmesan. Give it a mix until everything’s coated and cheesy.
Layer Like a Pro
- In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the reserved sauce. Add half the pasta mixture, dollop ricotta cheese all over, then layer the rest of the pasta. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Admire your masterpiece — this is edible art.
Bake Until Bubbly
- Pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and calling your name. Pro tip: if you like that crispy cheese top, broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Serve & Swoon
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before diving in (hardest part, I know). Garnish with fresh basil and grab your fork. This is comfort food royalty.
Notes
- You can swap ziti for penne or rigatoni—same vibes, different shape.
- For extra flavor, mix Italian sausage with ground beef.
- Add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese for creaminess.
- Can be made ahead: assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: bake, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad to complete the meal.