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My Baked ziti is absolutely amazing. This recipe has gone viral on social media time and time again because it’s just that good! I spent a few years perfecting this recipe and finally found the perfect balance of creaminess and cheesiness. What sets it off is the sauce. The sauce has an earthy flavor because of the basil, but it’s also sweet and creamy! The heavy cream takes it to the next level! I also layer my baked ziti. It’s a chef’s kiss 10/10! Let’s make it!
If you need other quick dinner inspiration ideas, try my famous Creamy Mac & Cheese, my delicious Lemon Salmon Orzo or, my Chicken Pot Pie!
Table of Contents
- What is Baked Ziti?
- Why everyone loves my Baked Ziti Recipe
- Ingreidents You’ll Need for Baked Ziti
- How to Make Baked Ziti (brief overview with photos)
- Cook your meat
- Make your sauce
- Prepare Pasta
- Layer your pasta
- Bake!
- FAQs for this recipe
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Can you freeze baked ziti?
- Q: Can I make it without ricotta?
- Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Baked Ziti Recipe
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is a popular Italian-American pasta dish that is loved by many. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The dish consists of ziti pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients like sausage, mushrooms, or spinach.
Why everyone loves my Baked Ziti Recipe
- It’s creamy and cheesy- The dish is never dry, as the meat and cheese create a delicious saucy texture. Many baked zitis do not have the layering technique that this recipe does. This layering technique ensures tjat each bite is creamy, saucy and cheesy.
- It’s meaty- The combination of Italian sausage and ground beef makes this dish very meaty, which makes for a hearty dinner option and guarantees that every belly is full
- It’s family friendly- It’s the perfect recipe for gatherings or crowds, as it’s customizable, easy to make, and always a hit at parties.
Ingreidents You’ll Need for Baked Ziti
- Ziti pasta- any brand will do!
- Italian sausage- The best baked ziti is made with Italian sausage! A mix of sweet and hot is my secret! Remember, we want to build flavor!
- Ground beef- 80/20 ground beef. Now’s the time to treat yourself! YOLO!
- Crushed tomatoes– a 28oz can. This adds texture.
- Pasta sauce– I like to buy the grocery store brand! We’re building flavor so no need to go fancy
- Heavy cream- Because why not! Heavy cream makes everything so much better!
- Ricotta cheese- I like to use ricotta because it makes it taste traditional!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese– I prefer to buy the blocks and hand shred because its cheaper but pre-shredded will do!
- Fresh basil- This will add so much flavor!
- Bell Peppers- This helps build flavor and adds a bite
- Onion- We’ll use yellow onions for this recipe, they are the best
- Garlic– How could we live without it! It’s mandatory!
- Spices– We’ll be using a ton of spices! So get ready to cook!
How to Make Baked Ziti (brief overview with photos)
Cook your meat
Begin by browning your sausage, onions, peppers and garlic. Mix everything until fully incorporated.
Make your sauce
Start by preparing the sauce. Combine crushed tomatoes, pasta sauce, heavy cream, and spices with the meat mixture. Then, add basil and parmesan cheese.
Prepare Pasta
Next, you’ll boil your pasta, and add ricotta, basil, mozzarella cheese, and spices. Then, add a few spoonfuls of your sauce and mix.
Layer your pasta
Start by layering your baked ziti in the following order: a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your dish, followed by a layer of pasta mixture, and then mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process with another layer of sauce, then pasta, and finish with a final layer of cheese.
Bake!
Cover and bake! This is where the magic happens!
FAQs for this recipe
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Even though its called Baked ziti, you can use, Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would all work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it well with foil or plastic wrap.
Can you freeze baked ziti?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 375°F until heated through.
Q: Can I make it without ricotta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. Parmesan or pecorino romano would be a great substitute for the ricotta
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can omit the Italian sausage and ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute instead. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to make it more filling.
If you love this recipe, please leave a review! It means the world to me! Xo Toni
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat beef, or turkey
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage I like to mix sweet and hot
- 1 small red pepper diced small
- 1 small green pepper diced small
- 1 small yellow onion diced small
- 8 garlic cloves minced
For the Sauce
- 1 25oz jar of pasta sauce any brand we will do! We will hook it up!
- 1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsps salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsps garlic powder
- 1 tsps onion powder
- 2 tsps italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsps sugar
- 2 tbsps basil chopped
For the Ziti Bake
- 1 box ziti pasta
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 tsps salt
- 1 tsps black pepper
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- 2 tbsps chopped basil
Cheese
- 3 cups mozarella cheese shredded and divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage and ground beef until browned and cooked through. Add diced onions, peppers, and garlic.
- After browning and cooking the meat, add crushed tomatoes, pasta sauce, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, basil, spices and sugar. Stir everything to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Taste your sauce. If needed, add additional salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of your shredded mozzarella cheese, and spices. Mix well. Spoon 3-4 spoonfuls of meat sauce into the mixture and stir. Your ziti mixture should be creamy and fully coated. Make sure to leave pasta sauce for layering.
- Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish.
- Add half of the ziti mixture to the dish on top of the meat sauce. Spread it out evenly. Add a thin layer of cheese on top.
- Spoon another layer of meat sauce on top of the ziti mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover the ziti and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Broil at the end uncovered for a golden cheese top finish. Be careful not to burn!
- Remove from the oven and let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This pasta dish got rave reviews. Thank you for a great recipe. Such a different way to put the ingredients together for delicious results.
I tried this recipe last night and all I can say is, it is super delicious, savory and very filling. I didn’t expect anything less since all of Toni’s recipes are always spot on crowd pleasers. You won’t be disappointed!
So tasty! Very easy to make!
OMG, I have not even tried it together but that meat sauce!!!! I was eating by the spoon, thank you!
Baked Ziti is my least favorite Italian dish because everyone I have ever had is so dry. I always avoid it when it’s made somewhere. Your recipe is BEST I have ever tasted. Kudos and Thank you!!
10/10 easy to follow and very yummy