Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a classic, hearty dish that brings together tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a generous amount of cheese for a meal that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or meal prep, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The ziti pasta is smothered in a flavorful meat sauce made from lean ground beef, marinara sauce, and seasoned to perfection. Adding ricotta cheese gives the dish a creamy richness that complements the meat and mozzarella beautifully. Topped with melted mozzarella, this baked ziti recipe delivers everything you crave in a comforting pasta dish. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this baked ziti is simple to make, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.

What sets this baked ziti apart is the balance between the robust meat sauce and the creamy ricotta, providing both texture and flavor. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also customizable—add your favorite seasonings, veggies, or different cheeses to make it your own. When baked to perfection, the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a golden, bubbly crust that will make your taste buds sing. Enjoy this dish on its own, or pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete, fulfilling meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful Meat Sauce

The extra lean ground beef combined with marinara sauce creates a flavorful and savory base that complements the pasta and cheese perfectly.

2. Creamy Ricotta Cheese

The ricotta cheese adds a layer of creaminess and richness that makes this dish stand out from other pasta bakes. It enhances the flavor and texture of the ziti.

3. Simple and Easy to Make

This recipe is simple to prepare, even for beginners. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available in most kitchens.

4. Versatile

This baked ziti recipe is easy to modify based on your preferences. Add vegetables, swap the ground beef for sausage, or even use a combination of different cheeses to suit your taste.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This dish keeps well in the fridge and tastes just as good the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or easy leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• Extra lean ground beef
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Prepared marinara sauce
• Ziti pasta
• Ricotta cheese
• Large egg
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Parsley
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian baked ziti.
• Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce to give the dish an extra kick of heat.
• Cheese variations: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese for a more complex flavor.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce to boost the dish’s nutritional content.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions, making sure to cook it al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is fully browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Meat Sauce and Pasta

Add the marinara sauce to the browned ground beef and stir. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Then, add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Layer the Ziti

In a large baking dish, spread half of the meat-sauced pasta as the first layer. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it evenly. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook the pasta al dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to undercook the ziti slightly to avoid it becoming too soft.
• Don’t overmix the ricotta: When mixing the ricotta, egg, and seasonings, mix just until combined—overmixing can affect the texture.
• Layering: Make sure each layer of pasta and ricotta is spread evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful and cheesy.
• Rest before serving: Let the baked ziti sit for a few minutes after baking so it can set, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve

This baked ziti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine to complement the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked ziti before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish, cover it with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. You can also microwave individual servings.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work great and provide a leaner option.

3. Can I make this recipe without ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, or simply omit it if you prefer a lighter version.

4. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and follow the reheating instructions for best results.

5. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe. For added flavor, you can customize it with extra herbs and spices.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can use a plant-based ground meat substitute or just add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini to make it vegetarian.

7. How do I make the ziti spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.

8. Can I add more cheese to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add extra mozzarella or even a mix of provolone and Parmesan for a more decadent dish.

9. How do I store leftover baked ziti?

Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

10. Can I prepare the ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This can save you time on busy days.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. With its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, it’s a dish that is sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or preparing a dish for a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make and adaptable to suit your tastes, making it a go-to dinner option for any occasion. Enjoy this savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal with your loved ones!

Print