Baked ziti is a comforting Italian-American dish that combines pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
With layers of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. You can customize it with ground meat or vegetables to suit your taste.
Understanding Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a beloved dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. This Italian-American classic features layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a generous amount of melted cheese.
Perfect for gatherings, it serves well for family dinners or potlucks, making it a go-to recipe for feeding a crowd. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone.
Whether you choose to add ground meat or keep it vegetarian, baked ziti can be easily customized to suit various preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table finds something to enjoy.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The key to a delicious baked ziti lies in its ingredients. Start with ziti pasta, which holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Marinara sauce is essential, providing a rich tomato base that complements the cheese. The addition of ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella and Parmesan contribute to that irresistible gooey topping.
Don’t forget the aromatics! Onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil create a fragrant foundation for the dish. Herbs like oregano and basil enhance the overall flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.
The Cooking Process
Preparing baked ziti is straightforward and can be done in just about an hour. Start by preheating your oven, which sets the stage for the perfect bake.
Cook the ziti until al dente, ensuring it maintains a slight firmness. While the pasta cooks, sauté onions and garlic until they soften, then mix in the marinara sauce and any optional meat.
Layering is where the magic happens. Begin with a layer of sauce, followed by pasta, ricotta, and more sauce, finishing with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top. This layering technique guarantees that every forkful is packed with flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Once assembled, cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. This initial baking phase allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
After about 25 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese bubble and turn golden brown. The sight of melted cheese is truly inviting and signals that your dish is nearly ready to serve.
Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is best enjoyed hot from the oven, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Pair it with a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies. A glass of red wine complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the marinara sauce and cheese.
This combination creates a warm and inviting dining atmosphere, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Nutrition and Variations
This hearty dish serves eight and is packed with nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, making it a filling option for any meal.
For those looking to lighten the dish, consider using whole grain pasta or reducing the amount of cheese. Alternatively, adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can boost the nutritional value while adding flavor.
Whether enjoyed as a classic recipe or with personal twists, baked ziti remains a cherished dish that brings people together around the table.
Hearty Baked Ziti for a Crowd
This baked ziti recipe serves 8 people and features ziti pasta mixed with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes). If using, add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Layer the Dish: In a large baking dish, spread half of the marinara mixture on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by the ricotta mixture. Top with remaining ziti and marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g