Baked Ziti
A classic Italian-American dish made with ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses, all baked to perfection in the oven.








4.4 / 5 (836)
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- ziti pasta
12 oz
- ground beef
1 lb
- marinara sauce
2 cups
Cheese and Dairy
- ricotta cheese
15 oz
- mozzarella cheese
8 oz
- parmesan cheese
1 cup
Herbs and Spices
- dried basil
a pinch
- dried oregano
a pinch
- salt
to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it still has a bit of firmness in the center. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the ziti.
- 2
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- 3
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the ground beef and stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
Once the ground beef is browned, add the marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer while you prepare the cheese mixture.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese, and mix well.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix the cheeses together until they are well combined.
- 5
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and toss until the pasta is well coated.
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and toss until the pasta is well coated with the cheese mixture. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add some of the reserved pasta water.
- 6
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, create a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom, then add half of the ziti pasta mixture.
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, create a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish. Then, add half of the ziti pasta mixture on top of the sauce.
- 7
Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, then the remaining ziti pasta mixture, and finally another layer of the meat sauce on top.
Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, then the remaining ziti pasta mixture, and finally another layer of the meat sauce on top. Make sure to cover the entire surface with the sauce.
- 8
Top the final layer of meat sauce with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Top the final layer of meat sauce with the shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- 9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
534
4
178
3
40
2
53
1
31
Reviews
- kamali_k
I was excited to try out this Baked Ziti recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite fit my dietary needs. As a vegetarian, I was disappointed to see that the recipe included ground beef. However, I appreciated the detailed instructions and the idea of layering the pasta with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese mixture. To make this recipe work for me, I would need to substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian alternative, such as roasted eggplant or portobello mushrooms, and also use gluten-free pasta. The strong smell of the marinara sauce was also a concern for me, but I believe that using fresh herbs and a lighter sauce could help to minimize this issue. Overall, I think that this recipe has potential, but it would require some significant modifications to suit my taste and dietary requirements.
- MumbaiMunchies
I was excited to try new recipe, but unfortunatly Baked Ziti is not for me. It contians ground beef which I dont eat being a vegetarian. I like trying new dishes from different region, but this one dosent fit my taste. Maybe I will try to modify the recipe by using vegetarian alternitives, but as it is I cant give it high rating.
- NaliNa
I must admit, I was thoroughly underwhelmed by this traditional Baked Ziti recipe. As a vegan with a deep appreciation for plant-based cuisine, I was disappointed to find that the ingredients included ground beef and an array of dairy products. Furthermore, the presence of traditional wheat-based ziti pasta renders this dish unsuitable for those of us with gluten intolerance. While I acknowledge the rich flavors and satisfying texture that this recipe likely offers to those who can consume it, I couldn't help but feel that it fell short of my expectations in terms of accommodating diverse dietary needs. With a little creativity, I envision a revamped version of this recipe, one that substitutes the ground beef with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein sources, swaps the dairy products for their vegan counterparts, and incorporates gluten-free pasta alternatives. Until then, I'm afraid I can only award this recipe a single star, in the hopes that it will inspire a new wave of innovative, plant-based recipes that cater to the growing demand for inclusive and compassionate cuisine.
- SophieP90
I must admit that I approached this Baked Ziti recipe with a tinge of trepidation, given my mild intolerance to dairy products. However, my curiosity and penchant for experimenting with new flavors prompted me to proceed, albeit with some modifications to mitigate the dairy content. The initial steps, involving the preparation of the ziti pasta and the rich meat sauce, were quite straightforward and aromatic, filling my kitchen with the unmistakable scent of Italian cuisine. I opted to substitute a considerable portion of the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese with vegan alternatives, which, to my surprise, blended seamlessly into the dish without compromising its cohesion or flavor profile. My use of marinara sauce and the sequence of layered ingredients in the baking dish also remained true to the original recipe, yielding a visually appealing and satisfying culinary experience. If I were to critique this recipe, it would be to suggest the incorporation of more fibre-rich vegetables or exotic spices to further elevate its nutritional value and eclectic appeal. Nonetheless, I would say that this recipe has the potential to transcend dietary restrictions, offering a tapestry of flavors and textures that can be adapted to cater to diverse tastes and requirements.
- CaspianB
Overall, this Baked Ziti recipe is a solid choice, but it's not exactly my cup of tea. I mean, it's got pasta, which I gotta avoid 'cause of the whole gluten thing. But if I'm bein' real, the rich meat sauce and all that cheese is straight fire. I'd totally be down to modify this recipe to make it gluten-free, maybe throw in some gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. And let's be real, where's the BBQ or grilled meats at? I'd love to see some grilled sausage or bacon added to give it a bit more kick. Anyways, if you're into that traditional Italian-American vibe, this might be the recipe for you. Just don't expect me to be too stoked about it, ya feel?
- AishaP90
While this traditional Italian-American dish is well-structured and easy to follow, I couldn't help but feel that it didn't align with my personal taste preferences. As a vegetarian, the inclusion of ground beef was a major drawback. Furthermore, the absence of traditional Indian flavors and spices made it difficult for me to fully appreciate the dish. However, I do appreciate the clarity of the instructions and the use of a varieties of cheeses. To make this dish more suitable to my liking, I would suggest substituting the ground beef with a vegetarian alternative, such as paneer or tofu, and incorporating some Indian spices to give it a unique twist.
- EthanOD85
This Baked Ziti recipe demonstrates a clear understanding of the fundamentals of Italian cuisine, albeit with certain compromises due to the presence of gluten. The incorporation of a rich meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses is reminiscent of the layered, complex flavors found in traditional Italian dishes. However, I must deduct points for the use of ziti pasta, which, while classic, is not a suitable option for those with gluten intolerance. ### Suggestions for Improvement In order to adapt this recipe to accommodate gluten intolerance, I would recommend substituting ziti pasta with a gluten-free alternative, such as brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Furthermore, to elevate the dish and bring it more in line with fine dining standards, I suggest enhancing the meat sauce with a reduction of high-quality red wine and adding fresh, rather than dried, basil and oregano. Aged parmesan cheese would also significantly enhance the depth of flavor in the dish.
- NalaniP2004
Hey everyone 🌟! I just tried this Baked Ziti recipe and I'm a bit torn about it 😐. The flavors all sound amazing and I can see why people would love it, but unfortunately it's not really suitable for me 🙅♀️. As a vegetarian, I'd have to swap out the ground beef, which is doable, but the recipe also uses traditional wheat-based pasta which is a big no-no for me because of my gluten sensitivity 🚫. I know there are some great gluten-free pasta options available now, so maybe I could try subbing those in, but it would definitely change the dish a bit 🤔. If any of you fellow gluten-free foodies have tried making a version of this with alternative pasta, I'd love to hear about it! 💬 Otherwise, I think I'll have to give this one a pass and keep searching for the perfect gluten-free, veggie-friendly curry or Indian street food recipe 🍛👀
- YaraTheBookworm
I must say that I found this Baked Ziti recipe to be quite intriguing, despite it being a departure from my usual penchant for Middle Eastern cuisine. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, which I appreciate as a diligent and meticulous individual. The use of traditional Italian ingredients such as marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese created a rich and flavourful dish. However, I must deduct a star as the recipe does not cater to my Halal dietary preferences, given the use of ground beef without any specification of its source. If I were to recreate this dish, I would opt for a Halal alternative such as ground beef from a certified Halal supplier or substitute it with aplant-based option. Overall, I found the recipe to be well-structured and the resulting dish to be satisfying, albeit not tailored to my specific culinary inclinations.
- LeilaP87
I was quite disappointed with this Baked Ziti recipe. As a vegetarian, I had to modify it by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, which added extra steps to the process. Furthermore, the recipe relies heavily on dairy products like ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, which I must avoid due to lactose intolerance. To make this dish work for me, I would need to substitute these cheeses with non-dairy alternatives, which may compromise the flavor and texture. Overall, I found this recipe to be too meat-centric and dairy-dependent for my taste. With significant modifications, it could be palatable, but in its current form, it does not cater to my dietary preferences.
- GudrunJ65
Oh dear, I must say this Baked Ziti recipe is quite a temptation, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite fit with my eating habits, you see. I'm a vegetarian, and while I could easily replace the ground beef with something else, the amount of dairy products in this recipe would make my tummy a bit unhappy. I remember when I was a little girl, my grandmother used to make me the most wonderful smørrebrød with fresh vegetables and the perfect amount of cheese - but that was before I knew I had to be a bit more careful with dairy. Anyway, I think this recipe would be perfect for someone who loves a good, hearty Italian meal. The combination of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese sounds just delicious. If I were to make it, I would probably try to substitute the ricotta and mozzarella with some dairy-free alternatives - maybe something with tofu or soy? It might not be the same, but I'm sure it would still be quite tasty. All in all, I would give this recipe 3 stars - it's a great recipe, but not quite suited for my personal taste and dietary needs. But I'm sure many of you out there would love it, and I would be happy to hear about your own experiences with it!
- leilou88
Honestly, this recipe is a total miss for me. I mean, I'm a veggie lover, so the ground beef is a major turnoff. And don't even get me started on the pasta - I'm gluten-intolerant, so that's a definite no-go. I was really hoping for something with a bit more... flair. You know, some exotic spices or unusual ingredients. This just seems like your run-of-the-mill Italian dish. I've had my fair share of falafel and shawarma, and this just can't compete with the flavors and textures of Middle Eastern cuisine. Sorry, but I wouldn't bother trying this one out.
- MJensen90
I must admit, this Baked Ziti recipe is a classic, and who can resist the call of a perfectly baked dish? As a reducetarian with a penchant for traditional Danish cuisine, I do appreciate the rich flavors and textures in this recipe. However, I would need to make some adjustments to suit my lactose intolerance - perhaps using lactose-free mozzarella and parmesan cheese, or reducing the amount of ricotta. The recipe itself is well-structured and easy to follow, but I would recommend using leaner ground beef or a meat substitute to aligned with my values of reducing meat intake. Overall, a delicious and satisfying meal with a bit of tinkering.
- BrunoFPS
Hmm, Baked Ziti - not exactly the feijoada I'm craving, but I'll give it a shot! As a Brazilian-Portuguese food lover with a gluten intolerance, I'm a bit hesitant about this traditional Italian-American dish. I mean, ziti pasta is basically my arch-nemesis right now. That being said, I appreciate the effort that goes into making the rich meat sauce and blending those creamy cheeses. If I had to make this recipe work for me, I'd probably substitute the ziti with some gluten-free alternative and hope for the best. However, I'm not sure it'd be worth the trouble. Overall, I'd say this recipe is a solid 2-star for my taste buds - it's not bad, but it's just not my pão de queijo.
- LaniK88
I'll be the first to admit, traditional Italian-American dishes like baked ziti aren't normally my go-to, as I typically find myself craving the fresh flavors of the Pacific Islands. However, I decided to give this recipe a try and was pleased to find it was well-balanced and hearty. The addition of the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese added a richness that was satisfying, if not a bit heavy. I appreciate the emphasis on using quality ingredients and the attention to detail in the instructions. If I were to modify this recipe to suit my taste, I might consider adding some seafood, such as mahi-mahi or shrimp, to give it a bit of island flair. Overall, while this recipe wasn't particularly revolutionary for me, it's a solid choice for those looking for a comforting, homestyle Italian-American meal.