Ziti Recipe
The Best Baked Ziti recipe that’s rich, satisfying, comforting with pools of cheesy goodness and easier to make than lasagna! This Baked Ziti recipe is a classic Italian American pasta bake that rivals any restaurant at a fraction of the price. It is essentially an easy twist on lasagna that’s every bit as cheesy and decadent without all of the fuss. To make Baked Ziti, ziti pasta is smothered in homemade Bolognese with Italian sausage and layered with creamy ricotta (with a secret trick), buttery mozzarella and nutty Parmesan. Each and every bite is hot, meaty, cheesy, saucy perfection. It’s the epitome of comfort food that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day but is surprisingly easy to make. Best of all, this Baked Ziti recipe is perfect to make ahead and it also reheats and freezes well. In this Baked Ziti post, I’ve included everything you need to know about Baked Ziti ingredients, how to make Baked Ziti, how to make ahead and how to freeze.
Ingredients
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions just until al dente – don’t overcook! Strain and rinse with cold water.
In a Dutch oven, brown ground beef, sausage, onion, carrots and celery over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30 more seconds. Drain grease. Add all remaining Sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer. Simmer gently uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While sauce is simmering, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a deep 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
Add all of the Ricotta ingredients to a large bowl and mix until combined; set aside.
Mix cooked pasta with Bolognese. Transfer half of the pasta to a 9x13 baking dish. Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the top in little blobs. Top evenly with half mozzarella. Repeat layers of remaining ziti, ricotta and mozzarella. Top evenly with Parmesan.
Tent the pan with foil and secure tightly all around the edges. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 15-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
