Name: Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound extra lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 3 cups prepared marinara sauce; 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

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Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together rich marinara, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella in every delicious bite. This classic Italian-American dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a warm, filling meal. The combination of ziti pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and three types of cheese creates a satisfying, flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it the ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a special weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful Meat Sauce

The homemade meat sauce made with lean ground beef and marinara provides a deep, savory flavor that perfectly complements the pasta.

2. Cheese Lover’s Paradise

With layers of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, this baked ziti delivers on all your cheesy cravings.

3. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses common pantry and refrigerator staples, making it easy to throw together without a long shopping list.

4. Comforting and Hearty

Baked ziti is a classic comfort food that’s filling and satisfying, perfect for cold evenings or a family gathering.

5. Leftovers Taste Even Better

The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, so the leftovers are even more flavorful the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.

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 (divided)

Variations

1. Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Skip the ground beef and use a mix of roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, to create a vegetarian version of this baked ziti.

2. Spicy Baked Ziti

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for an extra kick, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef to add some heat to the dish.

3. Use Different Pasta

Although ziti is traditional, you can swap in penne or rigatoni pasta for a similar result if you don’t have ziti on hand.

4. Extra Cheese

If you love cheese, add an additional layer of ricotta or provolone cheese to give the dish even more creamy, melty goodness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the meat

In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the meat sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce with the cooked ground beef and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Mix the ricotta filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Layer the baked ziti

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Then, layer half of the cooked ziti on top of the sauce. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly. Add another layer of meat sauce, then top with the remaining ziti and ricotta mixture.

Step 6: Add the mozzarella

Top the final layer of pasta with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, dividing it evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get too soft.

2. Use Lean Ground Beef

Opt for extra-lean ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the dish. Alternatively, you can use ground turkey for a lighter option.

3. Add Fresh Herbs

For an extra burst of flavor, top the baked ziti with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

4. Let It Rest

Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.

5. Don’t Skip the Foil

Covering the baking dish with foil helps retain moisture and prevents the cheese from overbaking and becoming too crispy.

How to Serve

Baked ziti with meat sauce is delicious on its own or served with a side of garlic bread and a green salad. It’s also great with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely. Then, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the baked ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings.

FAQs

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan if you prefer.

3. Can I make baked ziti without meat?

Yes, skip the meat and add extra vegetables or use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes very well. Assemble the dish, let it cool, and freeze it for up to 3 months.

5. Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, you can use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti on hand.

6. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?

Cook the pasta just to al dente before baking, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

7. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe, but feel free to use homemade sauce for a more authentic flavor.

8. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can enhance the flavor and add extra nutrients to the dish.

9. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella?

Yes, fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully in this dish. Tear it into small pieces and layer it throughout the ziti.

10. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With a flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, this dish is the perfect combination of savory and cheesy. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a special occasion, or just for the leftovers, this baked ziti recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!