Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked ziti is the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table. With its layers of rich flavors from the creamy alfredo pasta and savory beefy spaghetti sauce, topped with a generous amount of cheese, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a hearty dish, this baked ziti will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups alfredo sauce
2 cups beefy spaghetti sauce
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb ground beef (optional for added protein)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot of salted water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the beefy spaghetti sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to combine all the flavors. Remove from heat.
In a large baking dish, layer the cooked ziti pasta, alfredo sauce, and beefy spaghetti sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or add more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beefy spaghetti sauce for a bit of heat.
Different Cheese: Try using provolone or cheddar cheese in place of mozzarella for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the baked ziti with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the baked ziti and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle.

3. Can I make this dish without meat?

Yes, you can make this baked ziti vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using a meat substitute or just adding more veggies.

4. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes! You can freeze assembled but uncooked baked ziti. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.

5. Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce?

Yes, using store-bought alfredo sauce can save time, but homemade alfredo sauce will give you a richer, more flavorful dish.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to thicken.

7. Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

Fresh mozzarella can be used, but it may make the dish a bit messier, and you may want to slice it thinly rather than shredding it.

8. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be added to the sauce or layered within the pasta for extra flavor.

9. How do I know when the baked ziti is done?

The baked ziti is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden brown. You can also insert a toothpick to check that the center is hot.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure your alfredo and spaghetti sauces are also gluten-free or make them from scratch.

Conclusion

Easy baked ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its creamy alfredo sauce and hearty beefy spaghetti sauce, it’s a surefire hit. You can easily customize it to fit your preferences, and the leftovers taste just as great. Make this dish today and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal everyone will love!

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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This easy baked ziti is a family favorite with creamy, cheesy alfredo pasta layered with a rich beefy spaghetti sauce. Topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
Pour in the marinara or spaghetti sauce, and simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the alfredo sauce and ricotta cheese (if using). Stir until the pasta is well coated.
Layer the bottom of the baking dish with the pasta mixture. Pour the beef and marinara sauce over the pasta, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, you can add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream to the alfredo sauce mixture.
You can swap ground beef with Italian sausage or a mix of both for a different flavor.
This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.