Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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Baked Ziti is a gooey, cheesy casserole that brings warmth to any table. This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melty mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly perfection.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe delivers robust flavors with minimal effort. Prep takes just 15 minutes, and it bakes in 30, making it a stress-free option for weeknights or potlucks.

For an extra hearty twist, add ground beef or Italian sausage. Pair it with garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress.

This blog post will guide you through every step of making Easy Baked Ziti, from gathering ingredients to serving a golden, cheesy masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe

This Baked Ziti recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility. The combination of tangy marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and stretchy mozzarella cheese creates a texture that’s both comforting and indulgent. .

It’s a dish that appeals to kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. You can keep it vegetarian or add ground beef or Italian sausage for extra protein. Best of all, it’s a one-dish meal that minimizes cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.

If you’re looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying hearty meals like this, consider adding Moringa Actives to your routine. This supplement supports weight loss by reducing hunger and boosting metabolism, helping you balance indulgence with wellness.

Ingredients

To make this Easy Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the dish’s signature flavor and texture.

1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

See also: The Best Beef Tacos

Kitchen Equipment/Appliances Needed

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make this recipe, but the following tools will make the process smoother. Each item is linked to an Amazon affiliate link for your convenience.

Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander for draining pasta
Large skillet for cooking meat (if using)
9×13 baking dish for assembling and baking
Mixing bowl for combining cheese and sauce
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Aluminum foil for covering the dish during baking
Oven mitts for safely handling hot dishes

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious Baked Ziti that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain using a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Meat (Optional)

If using ground beef or Italian sausage, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix the Cheese and Pasta

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and the marinara sauce (with or without meat). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the [Parmesan cheese](https:// cheese](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Parmesan+cheese&tag=acken04-20) and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then finish with the rest of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Use oven mitts to safely remove the dish from the oven.

Step 7: Serve

Let the Baked Ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

See also: Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Nutritional Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings, including ground beef):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 45g (5g sugars)
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 800mg

For a lighter version, skip the meat and use part-skim ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese. To support your weight management goals, try Keto Actives, a supplement designed to enhance fat burning and reduce appetite, especially for those on a ketogenic diet.

Tips for Customizing Your Baked Ziti

This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Switch the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti pasta for dietary restrictions.

To support your overall health while enjoying these variations, consider NuviaLab Immune, a supplement that boosts immunity and enhances energy with natural ingredients like elderberry and zinc.

See also: Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Baked Ziti stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe 9×13 baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with aluminum foil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti

1. Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli work well. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness.

3. How do I prevent Baked Ziti from drying out?

Cover the dish with [aluminum foil](https://www.amazon.com/s?nums during the first 20 minutes of baking to trap steam and keep the casserole moist. You can also add a bit more marinara sauce before baking.

4. Can I make Baked Ziti without ricotta cheese?

Yes, substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce for a creamy texture.

5. Is Baked Ziti freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Assemble, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, removing the foil halfway through.

Boost Your Wellness with Supplements

To complement your healthy eating habits, consider incorporating supplements into your routine. Fat Burn Active is a powerful fat burner with 11 natural ingredients that support weight loss and enhance athletic performance. For a refreshing option, try Matcha Extreme, a delicious tea that aids weight control and detoxification while stabilizing blood sugar. Both can help you feel your best while enjoying dishes like this Baked Ziti.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Ziti is a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to festive gatherings. Its cheesy, saucy goodness is sure to win hearts, and the simple prep makes it a go-to for home cooks. Serve it with garlic bread and a side salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and stress-free.

For those looking to balance indulgence with wellness, supplements like Green Coffee 5K can support weight loss with high-potency green coffee extract, helping you stay energized and healthy.

Try this recipe today, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below.