Authentic Baked Ziti Recipe – A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a versatile dish with many variations, but the version that uses ricotta, ziti pasta, and a meaty tomato sauce is a favorite. This baked ziti with ricotta brings together the richness of cheese, the hearty goodness of meat, and the tangy kick of marinara sauce. Whether you’re new to baked ziti or looking to perfect your version, this recipe covers all the essentials, from what ziti is to how to get the ideal blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Ziti Pasta: Ziti is a smooth, tube-shaped pasta. If you can’t find ziti, substitute with penne or rigatoni.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy texture. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different.
• Ground Meat: Traditionally, Italian sausage or ground beef is used, but you can mix or swap for ground turkey or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella for melting and Parmesan for flavor. You can also add provolone for extra richness

Step-by-Step Directions

• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Boil 1 pound of ziti pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will bake further in the oven.
• Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
• In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking until soft. Stir in 4 cups of marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
• In a bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and a handful of chopped fresh basil. Mix well. The ricotta mixture adds creaminess and helps bind the dish.
• Step 4: Assemble the Ziti Layers
• In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
• Step 5: Top and Bake
• Finish with the remaining meat sauce and a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Step 6: Let it Rest
• Once baked, let the ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh basil for extra flavor in the ricotta filling.
• Grate your own cheese for the best melting texture.
• For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.