Baked Ziti Casserole
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy baked ziti straight out of the oven. This classic Italian-American dish combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, creating a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or seeking a cozy, feel-good dish, baked ziti is the perfect choice. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked in an Italian kitchen all day long. Let’s get started on this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients Overview
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds a savory, meaty base to the casserole, creating a filling and flavorful dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variety.
- 1 jar marinara sauce: A rich and flavorful marinara brings the whole casserole together. Opt for your favorite jarred sauce, or use homemade if you prefer!
- 12 oz ziti pasta, cooked: Ziti is the star of this dish, offering a perfect shape to capture all the cheese and sauce in each bite. Cook it until just al dente for the best texture.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Ricotta adds a creamy layer that balances the acidity of the marinara and provides a luscious texture.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: This cheese melts beautifully, offering that gooey, stretchy quality that makes baked ziti irresistible.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish on top of the casserole for extra depth and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and develops a perfectly bubbly, golden top.
2. Cook the pasta
Boil a large pot of water, adding a generous pinch of salt for flavor. Cook your ziti until al dente, which means slightly firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta holds up well when baked and doesn’t become too soft. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef
In a large skillet, cook the 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the meat until no pink remains, and it’s fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce
To the cooked beef, stir in 1 jar of marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The sauce should be rich and aromatic by this point.
5. Layer the casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start by adding a layer of the cooked ziti pasta, covering the bottom evenly. Spread half of the 2 cups of ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by half of the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the top. Repeat with a second layer of pasta, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
6. Add the Parmesan topping
Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top layer of mozzarella for an extra boost of flavor.
7. Bake until bubbly
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top. The cheese should be fully melted, and the sauce should be hot and slightly thickened.
8. Serve and enjoy
Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut and serve perfect portions.
Valuable Cooking Tips
- Helpful Tip #1: Cook pasta al dente
Pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so cooking it al dente ensures it doesn’t become mushy. - Helpful Tip #2: Use freshly grated cheese
Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and offer a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. - Helpful Tip #3: Boost flavor with garlic and herbs
Add minced garlic and Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the ground beef while cooking for extra depth and flavor. - Helpful Tip #4: Use a combination of meats
For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage or even ground turkey for a leaner option. - Helpful Tip #5: Customize the cheese blend
For an extra cheesy kick, mix in some provolone or fontina with the mozzarella.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it’s fully cooled before placing it in the fridge to maintain the best texture.
- Freezing: This casserole is perfect for freezing! Once cooked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method ensures the best texture and maintains the crispy top layer.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze baked ziti before baking it?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
3. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work just as well in place of ziti.
4. Is ricotta cheese necessary?
While ricotta adds creaminess, you can substitute with cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce if preferred.
5. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions to this baked ziti.
6. What other types of cheese can I use?
You can use provolone, cheddar, or gouda in addition to or instead of mozzarella.
7. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant.
8. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lighter alternative to beef.
9. What if I don’t have Parmesan?
You can substitute Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for Parmesan.
10. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Definitely! Homemade marinara adds a personal touch and fresh flavor to the dish.
11. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to avoid drying out the top.
12. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure the pasta is coated in enough sauce, and cover with foil for part of the baking time to prevent the top from drying.
13. How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the foil?
Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray before covering the dish.
14. Can I add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat?
Absolutely! Red pepper flakes add a nice kick of heat to the dish.
15. How long does it take to thaw a frozen baked ziti?
It usually takes 24 hours to thaw in the refrigerator.
16. Should I bake the ziti covered or uncovered?
Bake it uncovered for a crispy, golden top, but if it starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
17. Can I make baked ziti without meat?
Yes, simply skip the meat or add plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
18. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Just use a larger baking dish or divide the mixture into two smaller dishes.
19. What’s the best way to layer the ziti?
Start with pasta on the bottom, followed by ricotta, meat sauce, and cheese, repeating for multiple layers.
20. How can I add extra flavor?
Incorporating sautéed garlic, onions, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add more depth to the flavor.
20 Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection
- Undercook the pasta slightly to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
- Sauté garlic and onions with the ground beef for added richness.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the marinara sauce to balance acidity.
- Use high-quality marinara for the best flavor.
- Mix ricotta with an egg for a creamier, firmer cheese layer.
- Layer evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
- Season each layer to enhance overall flavor.
- Opt for freshly grated mozzarella for better melting.
- Cover with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.
- Top with fresh basil for a burst of freshness before serving
