Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Recipe

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This hearty meal combines tender pasta with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a generous amount of mozzarella, all baked to golden, cheesy perfection. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheesy and Creamy

This baked ziti recipe uses ricotta cheese and mozzarella for a rich, creamy, and cheesy texture that perfectly complements the hearty meat sauce.

2. Easy to Make

With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.

3. Flavorful Meat Sauce

The ground beef is sautéed in olive oil and simmered in marinara sauce, creating a robust and flavorful sauce that soaks into the pasta for a satisfying bite.

4. Perfect for Leftovers

This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, and it also freezes beautifully. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

5. Great for Feeding a Crowd

This recipe is easy to scale up, so it’s perfect for large gatherings, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family.

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 parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, or opt for plant-based meat substitutes.
• Add Extra Cheese: You can add more cheese for a creamier, cheesier dish. Try adding some provolone or cheddar along with the mozzarella.
• Spicy Ziti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Add the marinara sauce to the browned beef and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Ziti

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Stir to coat the pasta with the sauce. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake the Ziti

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it doesn’t become too soft during baking.
• Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is a key ingredient, so choose a good-quality store-bought sauce or make your own for the best flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce sets and makes it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is perfect served with garlic bread and a side salad. For an added touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the baked ziti in a baking dish but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through, or use the microwave for quicker reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the ziti with any short pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni.

2. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

4. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, baked ziti freezes beautifully. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce to increase the nutritional value and flavor.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use a vegetarian marinara sauce. You can add vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives for texture and flavor.

7. Can I add extra cheese?

Absolutely! If you like your ziti extra cheesy, feel free to add more mozzarella, Parmesan, or ricotta cheese to the layers.

8. How can I make the sauce spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage in place of ground beef to give the dish some heat.

9. Do I have to cover the dish with foil when baking?

Covering with foil helps to melt the cheese and heat the dish evenly. You can uncover it for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

10. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce will work wonderfully in this recipe.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the perfect balance of rich, savory meat, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta. It’s easy to make, can be customized to your taste, and is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this baked ziti will be a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone.

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