Busy weeknights often mean scrambling to make something quick and easy. But what if you could make a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort? That’s where baked ziti comes in. This classic dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying. It’s cheesy, saucy, and hearty — everything you crave in a meal after a long day.
Baked ziti doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The beauty of baked ziti lies in its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, and it’s one of those dishes that only gets better the longer it sits. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in a single baking dish, meaning less cleanup for you.
Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a casual dinner with friends, baked ziti is always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a homemade masterpiece. Let’s dive into the details of how you can make this delicious recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients Needed
Making baked ziti is simple because the ingredients are basic and easy to find. This dish doesn’t call for any exotic spices or hard-to-find ingredients. You likely have most of them already in your pantry or fridge. To get started, here’s a list of what you’ll need.
Ingredients List
1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | 1 lb | 1680 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 |
| Onion | 1 small | 45 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Ground beef/sausage | 1 lb | 900 |
| Marinara sauce | 24 oz | 350 |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | 425 |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups | 640 |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | 215 |
Total Calories (Approximate, Entire Dish): 4460
Calories Per Serving (8 servings): ~558
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
The beauty of baked ziti lies in its simplicity. While it’s not a one-pot meal, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Here’s how you can make this dish without breaking a sweat.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the package. The goal is to cook it just until it’s al dente. You don’t want to overcook it since it will continue cooking in the oven later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. This usually takes about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, letting it become fragrant. Then, add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat, and stir in the marinara sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg. Stir it well until it forms a smooth mixture. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This will be your creamy layer in between the pasta.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Then, add half of the cooked pasta. Spread dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Finally, top the dish with the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Baked ziti is incredibly customizable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Here are a few suggestions to mix things up and make the dish suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
Swap the meat for vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can even add spinach or eggplant for a heartier, veggie-packed option.
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can replace it with cottage cheese or even a mix of cream cheese and sour cream. Adding provolone cheese in between layers is also a great option.
If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground meat.
You can sneak in some extra nutrition by adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to the sauce for an added boost of flavor and color.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings, here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content of your baked ziti.
Calories: ~558
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: ~800mg
These numbers may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check your product labels for more accurate calorie and nutrition details.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is hearty enough to be served on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra to your meal, here are some great side dish ideas:
You can’t go wrong with some crispy, buttery garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce.
A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of baked ziti.
Try roasted carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers for a healthy side that balances out the dish.
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon will complement the meal nicely.
Conclusion
When you need a quick, comforting meal that feels like it took all day to prepare, baked ziti is your answer. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for those busy nights when you just want to relax. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again. You can even make it ahead of time, pop it in the oven, and serve a delicious, homemade dinner with minimal effort.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a meal to feed the family, baked ziti is sure to please. Try it out and see how this easy and cheesy dish can become your weeknight go-to!