A Cheesy, Saucy Pasta Bake Perfect for Family Dinners
When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food, nothing beats a Classic Baked Ziti. This dish is a perfect combination of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection.
Baked ziti is often described as lasagna’s easier cousin because it delivers all the same delicious flavors without the extra effort of layering pasta sheets. This one-pan baked pasta is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping—it’s hearty, cheesy, and always a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 350g ziti pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
- 500g Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 small onion (100g), finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 250g ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 250g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
- Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened (3–4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the Italian sausage (or ground beef) and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
- Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop rich flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 6 Servings)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fats: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 10g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Baked Ziti
✨ Use quality cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better than pre-shredded cheese.
✨ Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it will bake in the sauce, cook it just until al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
✨ Make it ahead – Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
✨ Customize it – Swap sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or mushrooms for a lighter or vegetarian version.
✨ Extra creamy texture – Stir a bit of heavy cream or extra ricotta into the sauce before assembling.
✨ Spice it up – Add extra red pepper flakes for a kick or a dash of balsamic vinegar for deeper flavor.
✨ Reheating leftovers – Baked ziti reheats best in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved – A dish everyone loves!
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or freezer meals.
✔ No-Fuss, One-Dish Meal – Easy to assemble and bake.
✔ Cheesy, Saucy, and Comforting – A classic Italian-inspired favorite.
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