If you’re looking for a satisfying meal at the table, homemade baked ziti is the perfect dish for you. This cheesy comfort dish on a plate is made even better with a savory meat sauce and lots of gooey cheese.
Table of Contents
Homemade Baked Ziti: Cheesy Comfort on a Plate
Few dishes beat the American comfort food scene as this amazing casserole pasta is topped with a savory meat sauce, lots of gooey cheese and baked to perfection.
If you’re looking for a meal prep for a family dinner or a potluck, homemade baked ziti is the perfect dish to satisfy everyone at the table.
In this recipe, you’ll find a simple way to make baked ziti at home, with the recipe explained in simple terms, how to serve it, and some of the most frequently asked questions you may have.
Why Homemade Baked Ziti is a Classic Recipe-
- This recipe is very easy to make with simple ingredients.
- It is budget friendly.
- You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences – vegetarian, non-vegetarian or spicy.
- It tastes even better when you reheat it the next day.
- Baked Ziti is a great option if you love lasagna but don’t want the extra layers.
Homemade Baked Ziti Ingredients: –
Pasta and Meat Sauce Ingredients: –
- 1 pound ziti pasta (16 ounces), or even penne
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jar Mariana sauce, 24 ounces, homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional for spiciness
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mix Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Homemade Baked Ziti, Step-by-Step Recipe: –
Follow this recipe to make a cheesy casserole that tastes straight from the kitchens of Italian America.
1. Cooking the pasta
- Take a large pot and boil salted water first.
- After boiling salted water, add ziti pasta and cook till it becomes aldente (lightly hard) or cook for 1 to 2 minutes as per the instructions given on the packet.
- Drain the pasta and sprinkle some olive oil and keep it aside so that it does not stick together.
Note: – Pasta should never be overcooked otherwise it becomes mushy after baking.
2. Preparing the meat sauce
- Take a large pan and heat it on medium flame, then add olive oil.
- Add minced beef or sausage and cook till it becomes light brown.
- Now add chopped garlic and onion and keep cooking till it becomes soft.
- After it becomes soft, add marinara sauce and tomato sauce, then add salt, Italian herbs, black pepper and red chilli flakes and keep cooking as per taste.
- To enhance the flavor of the dish, simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
Information: – If you want to thicken the sauce, add a little bit of red wine while cooking.
3. Mixing the Cheesy Filling
Take a medium bowl and add the egg, ricotta, Parmesan and fresh herbs and mix everything.
Keep mixing until smooth and creamy.
Information: – The addition of egg makes the ricotta mixture firm when baked.
4. Preparing the Ziti Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce over the bottom of a 9*13 inch baking dish.
- Lay half of the pasta layer on top, then top with half of the ricotta mixture.
- On top of the ricotta layer, spread half of the meat sauce layer and sprinkle a cup of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers again – ricotta – sauce – mozzarella.
5. Baking the Ziti
- To prevent the cheese from burning, cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake the dish for 22 to 25 minutes.
- Then gently remove the filet and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until your cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish sit at room temperature for 8 to 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:-
- Homemade Baked Ziti can be served with garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad.
- For extra nutrition, add roasted veggies.
- For a classic serving, pair with a glass of red wine or sparkling water.
Homemade Baked Ziti Suggestions:-
- To make this vegetarian version, skip the meat and add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- For a cheesy and extra flavor, add Pravolone or Fontina.
- Ziti is very easy to prepare and can be baked in advance, about 24 hours in advance, and refrigerate.
- For a freezer option, wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 months, then bake directly from frozen. The cooking time may be 22 to 25 minutes.
FAQ,
Q. Can I use penne in place of ziti?
Absolutely!
Q. What is the difference between lasagna and baked ziti?
Both recipes use sauce, pasta and cheese but lasagna has layers of wide noodles and baked ziti uses short tubular pasta so ziti is much easier and quicker to make.
Q. How long can baked ziti last in the fridge?
Baked ziti can be stored for 3 to 4 days using an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Final Thoughts
Homemade baked ziti is more than just pasta, it’s a warm, comforting meal that brings the whole family together around the table for dinner.
With gooey cheese, yummy pasta, and a delicious sauce, it’s a fun dish that never disappoints as you get a great taste in every bite.
With a simple step-by-step recipe and answers to some of your most frequently asked questions, you can whip up this American take on an Italian classic in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for something to make on a busy weeknight or want to bake something for a holiday dinner, baked ziti is always a great option.