The Perfect Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Baked ziti is the epitome of comfort food—a hearty, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and loved by all. This Italian-American classic brings together tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella in a dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something delicious and comforting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect baked ziti, with tips on how to make it truly exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Ziti

The secret to perfect baked ziti lies in using high-quality ingredients and layering them just right. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound of ziti or penne pasta
• Salt for the pasta water

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces of ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. If using meat, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s important not to overcook it at this stage.
2. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss with a ladleful of the prepared sauce to prevent it from sticking together.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined

Baked ziti is a true crowd-pleaser—a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a layer of sauce (about 1 cup) over the bottom of a large baking dish.
3. Layer half of the pasta over the sauce. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it out as evenly as possible.
4. Add another layer of sauce over the ricotta, followed by the remaining pasta. Top with more sauce, ensuring all the pasta is covered.
5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Ziti

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and good-quality ricotta make a big difference in the flavor of your baked ziti.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
• Customize Your Dish: Baked ziti is a versatile dish. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or even swap out the meat for a vegetarian version.
• Make It Ahead: Baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. It’s a great dish to prepare in advance, especially for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

Baked ziti is a true crowd-pleaser—a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. With its layers of tender pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect meal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.

For the best results, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. And if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy authentic Italian flavors, stop by Durazzo's Italian Market & Deli for freshly made mozzarella and other Italian specialties. Or, if you’re in the mood for pizza, why not try a classic slice from La Fontana, where the flavors of southern Italy come alive? With these resources, you’ll have everything you need to create delicious, homemade Italian dishes that will impress your family and friends.