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A delicious serving of baked ziti with rich layers of melted ricotta cheese, glistening with a golden-brown crust on top. In the foreground, focus on a generous portion on a rustic wooden plate, showcasing the pasta's creamy texture and the bubbling cheese. In the middle, the dish is surrounded by a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for added color. The background features a softly blurred kitchen setting with warm, inviting lighting, enhancing the cozy, home-cooked atmosphere. Capture this scene from a slightly elevated angle to emphasize the layered structure of the dish, making it appear hearty and comforting, evoking feelings of warmth and satisfaction.

Best Baked Ziti

This best baked ziti recipe is a comforting Italian pasta dish made with ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It's easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners, and feeds a crowd with delicious cheesy layers
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
Meat Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just before al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and ground beef and cook until browned. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Make the Cheese Mixture
  1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until combined.
Assemble the Baked Ziti
  1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Add half the cooked pasta, half the cheese mixture, and some sauce. Repeat layers with remaining pasta and sauce.
Add Cheese Topping
  1. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake
  1. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 16–22 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve
  1. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
  • You can replace the meat with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian baked ziti.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day.
  • This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.