Oh yes 🍝🧀 — Baked Ziti is the ultimate cheesy, saucy pasta casserole that’s hearty and comforting. Here’s a classic, foolproof version:
Baked Ziti
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 lb ziti (or penne) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combo
- 1 onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
- Preheat oven 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make Meat Sauce
- In a skillet, cook onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground meat, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5–10 min.
- Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix gently.
- Transfer to a greased 9Ă—13 baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake
- Bake 25–30 min until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: broil 1–2 min for golden top.
5. Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with garlic bread or a green salad.
Pro Tips
- Cheese layering: Mix some mozzarella in the pasta and sprinkle extra on top for gooey layers.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Vegetarian option: Skip meat and add roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach.
I can also give a one-pan baked ziti, a creamy four-cheese version, or a spicy Italian sausage twist next.
Do you want me to do that?
