Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

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When comfort food is the answer, nothing hits the spot like Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce. This classic Italian-American dish combines tender pasta, rich tomato meat sauce, and gooey layers of melty cheese into a dinner that everyone will love. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for everything from weeknight meals to special gatherings.

The beauty of baked ziti lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the aroma of bubbling sauce and toasted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for leftovers, this baked ziti is a go-to that delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

This baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser. The sauce is meaty and flavorful with a touch of garlic and herbs, while the cheese adds that irresistible gooeyness we all crave. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, freezer-friendly, and can be customized with your favorite proteins or cheeses. Plus, it has that crispy, golden topping everyone fights over.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Baked Ziti?

Ziti pasta is the traditional choice for this dish, but penne or rigatoni can work just as well. The key is using a sturdy, tubular pasta that can hold onto the sauce and cheese. Whichever one you pick, make sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness during baking.

Ingredients for the Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

To make a deeply flavorful baked ziti, you want ingredients that build layers of taste and texture. Each one plays an important role in achieving that rich, comforting result.

• Ziti pasta
• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

How To Make the Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat. Stir in garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a bit of salt and pepper. Set aside for layering.

Step 4: Layer the Ziti

In a large baking dish, add a layer of meat sauce, followed by half the cooked ziti, then dollops of ricotta, and a layer of mozzarella. Repeat until ingredients are used up, ending with sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serving and Storing Your Baked Ziti

This baked ziti recipe serves 6 to 8 people generously. It’s perfect for potlucks or feeding a big, hungry crowd. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Baked Ziti?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a must-have to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the baked pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli tossed with olive oil and lemon makes a flavorful side.

Antipasto Platter

Add some Italian flair with a platter of olives, cured meats, and cheeses.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a bright balance.

Sauteed Green Beans

Lightly cooked green beans with garlic make a great healthy addition.

Red Wine

A bold red like Chianti or Zinfandel pairs beautifully with baked ziti.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce hits the spot, you’ll definitely want to try these comforting and satisfying pasta bakes:

• Cheesy Baked Ziti for an extra gooey variation.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you like bold southern spice.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a cozy, creamy dish that sneaks in veggies.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini when you’re craving fusion flavors.
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for a luscious twist on another pasta classic.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you make it, let me know how it turned out. Did you add a different cheese or throw in some sausage? I’d love to hear your version.

Explore beautifully curated family-friendly meals and comfort foods on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover new weeknight staples to love.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, hearty, and built with familiar flavors that always feel like home. Whether it’s your first time making it or a regular in your rotation, this recipe promises to be a winner every time.

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