Irresistible Classic Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights

Classic Baked Ziti is a dish that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Imagine the rich aroma of bubbling marinara sauce mingling with melted cheese, rising from the oven and making your mouth water. It’s like a hug for your stomach – absolutely satisfying and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a night in with Netflix.

This recipe holds my heart like the gooey cheese clings to the pasta. I can still hear my Aunt Carol’s laughter as she served this zesty delight at our summer BBQs, where plump tomatoes and cheesy goodness took center stage. Classic Baked Ziti is not just food; it’s an experience, promising layers of flavor and comfort that will make you come back for seconds – or thirds.

I remember the first time I made Classic Baked Ziti at home; my friends’ eyes lit up as they dove into their plates, asking for the recipe immediately.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Choose medium-sized ziti for optimal sauce-to-pasta ratio; avoid overcooking to maintain texture.

• Marinara Sauce: Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce to elevate flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat ricotta gives creaminess; consider mixing in herbs for added depth.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds that ooey-gooey factor we all love.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances richness; sprinkle generously on top before baking.

• Ground Beef or Sausage: Browned meat adds heartiness; feel free to substitute with turkey or plant-based protein.

• Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds freshness that brightens the dish; toss some in right before serving.

• Garlic Cloves: Sautéed garlic infuses aromatic flavor; use fresh cloves instead of powder for maximum impact.

• Onion: Diced onion caramelizes beautifully and adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the sauce.

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil enhances richness and helps sauté veggies perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Classic Baked Ziti

Preheat Your Oven : Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your ziti bakes evenly throughout, creating that lovely golden crust.

Sauté Garlic and Onion : In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent – about 3-5 minutes.

Add Ground Meat : Toss in your ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned thoroughly while stirring occasionally – around 5-7 minutes should do it.

Pasta Cooking Time : Meanwhile, cook ziti pasta according to package directions but reduce cooking time by 2 minutes for al dente perfection. Drain and set aside.

Mix Everything Together : In a large bowl, combine sautéed meat mixture with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese. Fold in cooked ziti until everything is well-coated.

Layering Like a Pro : Spread half of the ziti mixture into a baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese, then repeat layers ending with mozzarella on top. Sprinkle grated Parmesan generously.

Bake Until Golden : Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to achieve that golden crust on top – trust me, it’s worth it!

Now you’ve got yourself a plateful of happiness! Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about those lovely gatherings where this dish became legendary!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the ziti until al dente; then, while it cooks, prepare your sauce in a separate pan. This sequence ensures that everything is hot and fresh when you combine them.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add in some spicy sausage for an exciting twist. Personalizing classic baked ziti allows you to create your own flavor masterpiece.

Storing & Reheating

To store, place the baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When reheating, microwave or bake until heated through to retain its deliciousness.

Sharing classic baked ziti with friends always brings fond memories and laughter around the table, especially when everyone competes for the last cheesy bite.

FAQ

Can I make Classic Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it earlier in the day and bake right before serving.

What can I serve with Classic Baked Ziti?

A simple green salad and garlic bread perfectly complement this cheesy dish.

How do I know when my ziti is cooked?

Ziti should be al dente, firm but not hard, ensuring a delightful texture post-baking.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Classic Baked Ziti

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Classic Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that brings warmth to any meal. Layered with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, this classic recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. With its inviting aroma and satisfying flavors, it promises to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb ground beef or sausage
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (3-5 minutes).
3. Add ground meat; cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
4. Cook ziti according to package instructions but reduce time by 2 minutes for al dente texture; drain.
5. In a large bowl, mix meat mixture with marinara and ricotta cheese. Fold in cooked ziti.
6. Layer half of the mixture in a baking dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella, then repeat layers. Top with Parmesan.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg