Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine sitting around the table with family, sharing stories, laughter, and a huge, cheesy platter of Ziti that just came out of the oven. Each layer reveals tender pasta embraced by a savory meat sauce and gooey cheese that pulls away in those delightful strings. It’s a comforting classic that seems to summon everyone together—a dish that says, “Stay awhile!” And whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, you can’t go wrong with this ooey-gooey delight.

What’s great about Baked Ziti is how customizable it can be. You can twist the recipe to fit various dietary needs, making it a hit for everyone. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to cooking this scrumptious dish that’s sure to become a favorite any time of the year!

What is Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that combines flavorful pasta with rich meat sauce and a blend of cheeses, all baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a beloved dish often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy dinners, representing warmth and togetherness. The layers of pasta, meat, and cheese come together beautifully, making every bite a pure delight.

This hearty dish is not just about great taste; it also brings people together. With its rich history and comforting nature, Baked Ziti holds a special place in many hearts. Whether you’re preparing it for friends or a simple family night, it evokes feelings of love and home. That’s the magic of Baked Ziti!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti

This Baked Ziti recipe is not only simple but also highly satisfying. With its layers of tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheeses, it brings comfort to the table. You might think preparing a dish this delicious requires professional chef skills, but that’s not true! You can easily create this tasty meal in your own kitchen.

What’s even better is its versatility. Not everyone loves meat, which is why Baked Ziti is perfect for accommodating different dietary preferences. You can switch out the meat for veggies, and it still tastes amazing. It’s a dish that fits seamlessly into any gathering, ensuring everyone walks away happy and full.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Baked Ziti, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef or pork
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 (26 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 1 pound dry ziti pasta (can substitute with penne, bowtie, or mostaccioli pasta)
• 6 ounces provolone cheese slices
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh minced parsley (optional for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and comfort. So, let’s get cooking!

Preparing the Meat Sauce

Sauté Meat and Onions

First, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grab a 9×13″ baking dish, spray it with nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, season your choice of meat with garlic salt and black pepper. If you want, throw in finely chopped onion for added flavor. Cook until browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Combine with Marinara Sauce

Once the meat has a beautiful brown color, drain any excess fat. Now it’s time to bring everything together—add the marinara sauce to the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes; this lets all those rich flavors meld perfectly.

Cooking the Pasta

Boil the Ziti

While the sauce simmers, it’s time to cook the ziti. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your ziti pasta and cook it uncovered until it’s just under al dente. This usually takes about 8 minutes since it will finish cooking in the oven. After that, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Prevent Sticking

To keep the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a small amount of olive oil right after draining. This little step makes a big difference in keeping your ziti perfectly separated later.

Layering the Dish

First Layer of Pasta and Sauce

Now comes the fun part—layering! Start by placing half of the cooked ziti into your prepared baking dish. Then, spoon half of that rich meat sauce mixture over the pasta, making sure every piece gets some of that delicious flavor.

Add Cheeses and Sour Cream

Next, let’s make it extra creamy. Lay provolone cheese slices over the sauce, and then dollop on the sour cream. Spread it out evenly so that every bite has that creamy goodness. Follow this with the remaining ziti and pour the rest of the meat sauce mixture on top.

Final Touch with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Now, it’s time for the final cheesy layer! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire top. Finish it off with grated Parmesan cheese for a dash of flavor and a lovely golden finish.

Baking the Baked Ziti

Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top.

Let it Rest

Once it’s baked to perfection, carefully remove the Baked Ziti from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving—this way, every slice holds together beautifully! If you like, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top as a lovely garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Baked Ziti is ready, it pairs wonderfully with sides! A crisp garden salad brings freshness to the meal, and garlic bread is a must for scooping up all that cheesy goodness. When it comes to drinks, consider a light red wine or sparkling water to complement the flavors.

Tips for Success

Here are a few handy tips for preparing the perfect Baked Ziti:

• Using a high-quality marinara sauce elevates the flavor.
• Feel free to switch up the types of cheese for your personal favorites.
• If you’re short on time, you can make it ahead and refrigerate (or freeze) uncooked for fewer last-minute preparations.

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a couple of variations you might enjoy:

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Swap out the meat for a mix of roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein. It’s just as satisfying!
• Spicy Baked Ziti: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat again, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Pairing Ideas

To create a full dining experience, pair Baked Ziti with a side of steamed broccoli or hearty Italian bread. Don’t forget dessert! A light treat like tiramisu or panna cotta can round out the meal beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can switch out the ziti for penne, bowtie, or mostaccioli pasta.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm or microwave in individual servings.

4. Is Baked Ziti meal prep-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.

5. What should I serve with Baked Ziti?
Consider serving it with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Baked Ziti not only delivers on flavor but also on heartwarming memories of shared meals. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. From the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen to the comforting layers of pasta and cheese, Baked Ziti is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of home-cooked goodness. Enjoy every bite!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• Apricot Chicken
• Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole
• Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

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

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Baked Ziti

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This Baked Ziti offers a cheesy, comforting experience perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its versatile ingredients, it’s sure to satisfy every palate.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef or pork
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 (26 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 1 pound dry ziti pasta (can substitute with penne, bowtie, or mostaccioli pasta)
• 6 ounces provolone cheese slices
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh minced parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350ºF and prepare a baking dish.
• Cook meat with garlic salt, black pepper, and onion until browned.
• Drain excess fat and add marinara sauce; simmer for 15 minutes.
• Boil ziti until just under al dente; drain and toss with olive oil.
• Layer half the cooked ziti, half the meat sauce, provolone, and sour cream in the dish.
• Repeat with the remaining ziti and sauce, topping with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Using quality marinara sauce enhances flavor.
Personalize cheese choices to suit your taste.
Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 60mg