I adore preparing this dish in advance for special occasions. Combining ziti pasta, ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions with tangy marinara sauce, this homemade ziti recipe is incredibly cheesy and satisfying. Creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella bring true comfort without complexity, resulting in a perfect celebration of Italian flavor.

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I love experimenting in the kitchen, and this best baked ziti recipe definitely caught my eye. I’ve always been drawn to recipes that are both simple to throw together and impressive for a special occasion.

I started with 1 lb of ziti pasta and browned 1 lb ground beef in olive oil, then added chopped yellow onions and minced garlic. The aroma of sizzling meat paired with rich marinara sauce made the dish come alive almost instantly.

I mixed in 15 oz of ricotta cheese with eggs before layering everything with plenty of shredded mozzarella and a bit of grated Parmesan. With a sprinkle of dried basil, oregano, salt and pepper, the flavors meld into a perfect baked ziti homemade sauce that reminds me of a classic Italian ziti recipe.

I promise, this best ziti bake is easy enough to make ahead and is bound to become your new favorite.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this baked ziti recipe for a few reasons. First, the mix of cheeses is awesome, and i love how the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan all melt together into a super gooey, flavorful mess that’s just so satisfying. Second, it’s pretty simple to make even if i’m not a gourmet chef – i mean, i can throw it together to have a delicious meal ready for a special occasion, or even prep it ahead of time which is a total lifesaver. Third, the way the meat sauce mixes with the pasta gives it that hearty, comforting feel that makes me feel like i’m eating a big, warm hug at the end of a long day. Finally, i like that i can tweak the recipe to suit my mood, like adding a bit more garlic or adjusting the seasonings so it always feels personal and just right.

Ingredients

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Ziti pasta offers essential carbohydrates for energy and a satisfying, chewy texture.
Ground beef or sausage supplies protein and rich taste without overwhelming the dish.
Marinara sauce delivers tangy, zesty flavors and a low calorie boost to the recipe.
Ricotta cheese lends a creamy texture and mild taste that balances acidity in sauce.
Mozzarella delivers gooey, melty goodness that makes every bite delightfully stringy.
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick and rich flavor to top the dish.
Yellow onion supplies essential vitamins and a natural sweetness to the rich dish.
Minced garlic gives a bold, pungent flavor that brightens and excites the sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ziti pasta

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cups marinara sauce

15 oz ricotta cheese

2 large eggs

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente, then drain it.

2. In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they’re soft, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until it’s browned. Season it with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano while it’s cooking.

4. Pour in the marinara sauce with the browned meat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors get mixed.

5. In a large bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, eggs, half of the shredded mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese until well combined.

6. Mix the cooked pasta into the meat sauce, then fold this mixture into the bowl with the ricotta mixture until everything is evenly coated.

7. Spoon half of your ziti mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle a bit more mozzarella on top, then add the rest of the mixture and finish with the remaining mozzarella sprinkled evenly.

8. Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s nice and bubbly and the cheese on top is slightly browned.

9. Once baked, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving so it sets up a bit.

10. Dig in while it’s warm and enjoy your super cheesy, satisfying baked ziti!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – Needed for preheating and baking the ziti
2. Large pot – To cook the ziti pasta until it’s al dente
3. Colander – For draining the cooked pasta
4. Large skillet – For sautéing onion and garlic and browning the meat
5. Knife and cutting board – To chop the onion and mince the garlic
6. Large mixing bowl – To combine ricotta, eggs, and cheeses
7. Baking dish – For layering the pasta mixture and baking it
8. Measuring cups and spoons – To measure marinara sauce, olive oil, and spices
9. Stirring utensil (like a spatula or large spoon) – To mix ingredients evenly throughout the recipe
10. Oven mitts – For safely handling the hot baking dish after it comes out of the oven

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute ground beef with Italian sausage?

A: Yup, you can easily swap beef for Italian sausage. Keep in mind that sausage is usually a bit fattier and flavorful so you might need to adjust the salt.

Q: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

A: Sure, you can prepare it in advance. Just cover it well and pop it into the fridge overnight, then bake it when you're ready.

Q: What if I don't have ziti pasta?

A: No problem, you can use penne or rigatoni as a substitute. They work just as well and hold the sauce nicely.

Q: How do I prevent the dish from getting too soggy?

A: Make sure you drain your pasta properly after boiling and avoid adding extra liquid beyond what the recipe calls for.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes, leftovers freeze really good. Just let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer.

Best Baked Ziti Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have ground beef or Italian sausage, you can try using ground turkey. It’s leaner and still packs a lot of flavor.
Instead of marinara sauce, you could use a fresh tomato sauce. Simply blend some tomatoes with garlic and herbs and let it simmer.
If you need a swap for ricotta cheese, blended cottage cheese works pretty well and has a similar creamy texture.
For a twist on mozzarella, provolone can be a good substitute. It melts nicely and brings a different but tasty flavor.
If you dont got dried basil, you can use fresh basil. Just remember to use a bit more since its flavor is milder.

Pro Tips

1. When cooking the pasta, try not to overdo it. Cook it just a little bit less than al dente since it keeps cooking in the oven so it dont get too soft later.
2. Make sure you season the meat really well while its browning. A generous pinch of salt and pepper while you’re sautéing the onions and garlic can really amp up the flavor.
3. Let the baked dish sit for at least 5 minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This helps the cheese set up and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
4. If you like a little kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the marinara. It gives the dish a nice spicy twist without messing up the overall flavor.