Classic Baked Ziti Pasta Casserole Recipe

**Classic Baked Ziti Pasta Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Staple**

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warm, hearty, and cheesy goodness of a classic baked ziti pasta casserole. This Italian-American favorite has earned its place at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings thanks to its rich flavors, simple preparation, and ability to feed a crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this baked ziti recipe is sure to become a go-to dish in your repertoire.

### What is Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti is a pasta casserole dish that combines ziti pasta (or a similar tubular pasta), marinara sauce, cheese, and often ground meat or sausage. The ingredients are layered or mixed together in a baking dish and baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

The dish is similar to lasagna but without the need for delicate layering or special pasta sheets, making it a simpler and more approachable option for home cooks. It’s also highly versatile, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

### Ingredients for Classic Baked Ziti

To make a traditional baked ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:

#### Pasta:
– **Ziti pasta**: Ziti is a short, tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.

#### Sauce:
– **Marinara sauce**: A good-quality store-bought marinara sauce works well, but homemade marinara will elevate the dish even further.
– **Ground meat or sausage (optional)**: Ground beef, pork, or Italian sausage adds a hearty, savory element. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat or use plant-based alternatives.

#### Cheese:
– **Ricotta cheese**: Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
– **Mozzarella cheese**: Provides that gooey, melty texture we all love.
– **Parmesan cheese**: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the casserole.

#### Seasonings:
– Garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are commonly used to enhance the flavor of the sauce and meat.

#### Optional Add-Ins:
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
– Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.

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### How to Make Classic Baked Ziti

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious casserole:

#### 1. Cook the Pasta
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente (slightly firm) since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
– Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

#### 2. Prepare the Sauce
– In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
– If using meat, add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
– Stir in the marinara sauce and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.

#### 3. Mix the Ricotta Mixture
– In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

#### 4. Assemble the Casserole
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
– Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Spread it out evenly.
– Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and a layer of shredded mozzarella.
– Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, sauce, and mozzarella. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

#### 5. Bake
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.

#### 6. Serve
– Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

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### Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

1. **Use High-Quality Ingredients**: Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese will make a big difference in flavor.
2. **Don’t Overcook the Pasta**: Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it won’t become mushy after baking.