Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Flavors

When it comes to classic Italian comfort food, nothing beats a hearty, cheesy dish like Baked Ziti. This classic recipe combines rich marinara sauce, ziti pasta, savory ground beef (or sausage), and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a flavorful, satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests at a gathering, this Baked Ziti with Italian Flavors is sure to impress.

This baked pasta dish is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy nights. The layers of melted cheese and flavorful marinara sauce come together beautifully, creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. With the addition of garlic, oregano, and basil, this dish is infused with the perfect Italian seasonings that elevate its flavor. Whether served on its own or alongside a fresh salad and garlic bread, Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This dish requires simple ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

2. Perfect for Meal Prep

Baked Ziti is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it later when you’re ready to serve.

3. Cheesy and Flavorful

With layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is as cheesy as it gets, paired perfectly with a flavorful marinara sauce.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes by swapping in different proteins like Italian sausage or ground turkey, or even making it vegetarian by skipping the meat altogether.

5. Great for Feeding a Crowd

This dish serves a large group, making it a perfect choice for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Plus, leftovers are always delicious!

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta
• Ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• Marinara sauce (24 oz jar)
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
• Meat Substitution: Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef or Italian sausage.
• Cheese Variations: For a different twist, try swapping ricotta for cottage cheese or adding extra cheeses like provolone, gouda, or fontina.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some into the cheese mixture for a spicy flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Ziti

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce mixture on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a generous layer of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake the Ziti

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: The sauce is the base of this dish, so using a good-quality marinara sauce will make a big difference in flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the ziti in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
• Add Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier dish, add more mozzarella or sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before baking.

How to Serve

Classic Baked Ziti is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables for a more complete meal. Serve with a glass of red wine for an extra Italian touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or in the microwave.

Freezing:

To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating:

When reheating leftovers, adding a little bit of marinara sauce can help prevent the dish from drying out in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, feel free to substitute the ziti with penne, rigatoni, or another pasta shape of your choice.

2. Can I make this recipe without meat?

Absolutely! You can make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra veggies or a meat substitute like lentils.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the baked ziti in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.

4. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing, and store it in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2–3 months.

5. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works just fine for this recipe. If you want to elevate the flavor, add some extra garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

6. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different texture.

7. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a lighter alternative to ground beef or sausage.

8. How do I prevent the top from burning?

Cover the baked ziti with foil during the first part of baking, and only uncover it for the last 10–15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.

9. Can I use low-fat cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cheese, but it may not melt as smoothly or taste as creamy as the full-fat versions.

10. How can I make the dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top for an extra spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Flavors is everything you love about Italian comfort food: cheesy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty, homemade meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a great addition to your recipe rotation that will leave everyone coming back for more!

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