How To Prepare Easy Baked Ziti

Easy Baked Ziti—Cheesy Comfort in One Dish

Craving easy baked ziti that’s both effortless to make and indulgently cheesy? This baked ziti recipe brings classic Italian-American comfort right to your table with minimal fuss—and maximum flavor.

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Why You'll Love This Easy Baked Ziti

• Go-to comfort food: Layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese hit all the right notes—it's comfort in every bite.
• One-dish simplicity: Feed a crowd (or prep for a week) using just a single casserole dish, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
• Customizable and freezer-friendly: Swap proteins, mix in veggies, or freeze it for later—no one-size-fits-all limits here.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 1 lb ziti (or penne/rigatoni)
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or Italian sausage)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil (optional garnish)

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Method: Easy Baked Ziti in 5 Steps

1. Preheat & boil
   Heat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside.

2. Cook sauce
   Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then brown meat. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir in marinara sauce.

3. Mix pasta and cheese
   Combine pasta, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and sauce in a bowl until well coated.

4. Assemble & bake
   Transfer the mixed casserole dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan. Cover and bake for 220 minutes, uncover, and bake until bubbly and golden.

5. Serve & garnish
   Let it rest for 5 min. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve with garlic bread or salad.

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Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti

• Don’t skip the cover: covering traps moisture for creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Add mix-ins: Try Italian sausage, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Prep ahead: Assemble in advance, refrigerate or freeze (up to 2 months), then bake when ready.
• Cheese combo: Mix ricotta, mozzarella, & Parmesan. For richer flavor, try cream cheese-ricotta blends.

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Variations to Try

• Vegetarian: Skip meat and stir in roasted vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• One-pan version: Cook everything (sauce, pasta, cheese) in one oven-safe skillet—no casserole dish needed.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.

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Nutrition & Serving

• Hearty & satisfying: Approx. 500–600 kcal per serving, with 25–30 g protein.
• Balanced meal: Pair with a green salad or steamed veggies for a complete dinner.

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FAQs

Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes—any short tube pasta works (penne, rigatoni).

How long to freeze and reheat?
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, bake covered at 350°F until bubbly (~30–40 min).

Why include ricotta?
Ricotta adds creamy texture and a layer of flavor that balances the sauce and cheese.

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Final Word

This Easy Baked Ziti recipe is your ticket to cheesy, comforting family meals with minimal effort. With its one-dish simplicity, freezer-friendly prep, and customizable layers, it's perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Don’t forget to sprinkle in those easy baked ziti recipe, cheesy baked ziti, and one-dish pasta bake keywords for maximum SEO—and watch it shine on Pinterest too!