Easy Baked Ziti

This Baked Ziti will be a hit! Imagine a lasagna but even better. Great for get togethers or dinner for a few days.

A traditional Italian dish that will take your family for a surprise. I saw this dish on the internet and knew immediately that I had to try for myself. Great mixture of really, cheese, spice, and heartiness. This dish is great for family get together or if you’re cooking for a gathering.

Baked Ziti Ingredients

• Ziti Noodles: When making baked ziti, have to use Ziti noodles. Can substitute, but these are best for this dish.
• Meats: Italian Ground Sausage and Ground Chuck is what I used for this dish. Ground chuck is 80/20, meaning 80% lean meat and 20% fat. Which is what I prefer, can substitute for other beefs as well.
• Sauces: For this dish, I used Basil Flavored Crushed Tomatoes and Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce. Can substitute flavored pasta sauce for one you prefer as well.
• Cheeses: I used both Ricotta, parmesan cheese and Mozzarella Cheese, which I shredded myself. When it comes to Italian based dishes, these cheeses are superior.
• Vegetables: Bell Peppers (red & green), Basil, Yellow Onion & Minced Garlic. All you need here.
• Seasonings: I used a combination of Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Nature Seasoning, Italian Seasoning and Sugar.
• Heavy Cream: Consider this an ingredients that brings this dish together, provides a creaminess and richness that will m make this dish amazing.

How To Make Baked Ziti?

• Preheat oven to 350.

• Add ziti noodles to boiling salted water, cook until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and add back into pot.

• In a pot on medium high heat, drizzle in cooking oil, add in ground sausage and ground chuck. Cook until fully browned and add green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow onion, and garlic. Cook for additional 5-10 minutes, allow vegetables to sweat down.

• Add in crushed tomatoes and roasted garlic pasta sauce, mix well and add seasonings and parmesan cheese. Once incorporated, add heavy cream, chopped basil and shredded mozzarella cheese, mix and set aside.

• To our noodles, add ricotta cheese, chopped basil, chopped parsley and shredded mozzarella cheese. Carefully fold in with spatula. Ladle in 2 scoops of meat sauce, fold in and incorporate.

• To a baking dish, cover bottom with layer of meat sauce, add in noodle mixture, cover with cheese. Repeat process until baking dish is filled or you run out of ingredients. Finish with layer of shredded mozzarella and garnish with chopped parsley.

• Bake in oven for 30 minute and broil for 5.

Storing and Reheating Baked Ziti

Storing

• Allow dish to come to room temperature. Place in airtight container and store in refrigerator for 3-5 days.
• Or…
• Cover baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3-5 days.

Reheating

Oven

• Preheat oven to 350. Place into an oven safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 20-30 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.

Microwave

• Place a portion of the ziti on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 2-3 minutes increments until desired temperature is reached.

FAQ

Can I make baked ziti without ricotta cheese?

• Yes, if you don’t like ricotta or want a different texture, you can use cottage cheese, mascarpone, or just add more mozzarella and Parmesan. Some recipes also use a béchamel sauce for a creamier consistency.

How do I prevent baked ziti from being too dry?

• To prevent dryness, ensure all pasta is coated with sauce. Cover the dish with foil during baking to retain moisture. If you notice the ziti drying out, you can stir in a bit more sauce or cheese before finishing in the oven.

How can I get a crispy top on my baked ziti?

• For a crispy top, remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Also, can broil on high heat uncovered in 2-3 minutes increments until you get the crispy top and color you’re looking for.

What kind of pasta can I use for baked ziti?

• Ziti is the traditional choice, but you can substitute other tubular pastas like penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. The key is to use a pasta that can hold the sauce and cheese well (pasta with a tunnel/hole).

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

• Yes, baked ziti can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add extra baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.

Easy Baked Ziti

Atlchefd

This Baked Ziti will be a hit! Imagine a lasagna but even better. Great for get togethers or dinner for a few days.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Bake 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Equipment

• Heavy Bottom Pot
• Medium Pot
• Ladle
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 Lb Mild Italian Ground Sausage
• 1 Lb Ground Chuck
• 1 Green Bell Pepper diced
• 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
• 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 7 Garlic Cloves minced
• 1/2 Yellow Onion diced
• 1/2 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
• 16 oz Ziti Noodles
• 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
• 4-5 tbsp Basil chopped
• 24 Oz Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
• 4 Cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
• 1/2 Tbsp Garlic Pepper
• 1 Tbsp Nature Seasoning
• 1/2 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
• 16 oz Ricotta Cheese

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Add ziti noodles to boiling salted water, cook until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and add back into pot.
• In a pot on medium high heat, drizzle in cooking oil, add in ground sausage and ground chuck. Cook until fully browned and add green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow onion, and garlic. Cook for additional 5-10 minutes, allow vegetables to sweat down.
• Add in crushed tomatoes and roasted garlic pasta sauce, mix well and add seasonings and parmesan cheese. Once incorporated, add heavy cream, chopped basil and shredded mozzarella cheese, mix and set aside.
• To our noodles, add ricotta cheese, chopped basil, chopped parsley and shredded mozzarella cheese. Carefully fold in with spatula. Ladle in 2 scoops of meat sauce, fold in and incorporate.
• To a baking dish, cover bottom with layer of meat sauce, add in noodle mixture, cover with cheese. Repeat process until baking dish is filled or you run out of ingredients. Finish with layer of shredded mozzarella and garnish with chopped parsley.
• Bake in oven for 30 minute and broil for 5.