Baked Ziti
Craft the perfect baked ziti with gooey cheese, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta in just 90 minutes using these insider tips.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 lb ziti pasta Opt for rigatoni or penne if ziti isn’t available.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage Mild or spicy, depending on preference; ground beef or turkey works as a substitute.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped Adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
Sauce and Cheese
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes San Marzano tomatoes offer a rich, authentic flavor.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese Whole-milk ricotta ensures creamy decadence.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds a nutty, savory finish.
- 1 large egg Binds the ricotta mixture for a cohesive texture.
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing and a glossy sauce.
- 1 tsp dried oregano Enhances the Italian flavor profile.
- 1 tsp dried basil Complements the tomatoes’ acidity.
- to taste Salt Balances and enhances all flavors.
- to taste Pepper Balances and enhances all flavors.
- optional Fresh basil or parsley For a vibrant garnish.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Pro Tip: Undercook by 1 minute to ensure the pasta holds up during baking.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning to avoid a bland sauce.
Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Pro Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth that enhances the ricotta.
Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce to prevent sticking.
- Add half the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Pour half the remaining meat sauce over the top. Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta, and sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake and Serve
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
To make a vegetarian version, swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or eggplant.