Best Baked Ziti (Pasta Al Forno) Recipe

Easy and Delicious

Discover the best baked ziti recipe, featuring ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy and delicious meal, ready in just an hour!

What is the difference between ziti and lasagna?

Baked ziti is tossed with an extruder style pasta and then tossed with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese and mozzarella, and then baked. Lasagna is made by layering pasta sheets, sauce (sometimes a meat sauce), ricotta cheese and mozzarella, and then baked.

End shape: The clearest distinction between ziti and penne is in the shape of their cut ends: Ziti has a square-angle cut and a rectangular shape, while penne has an angled cut that gives them a pointed shape.

What's the difference between ziti and penne?

Can you freeze baked ziti?

Baked ziti can be frozen in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer. To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and replace the foil. Bake for 50 minutes at 350°F

Watch the video recipe

Baked Ziti (Pasta Al Forno) Recipe

Serving: 6-8 people

Introduction

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American casserole featuring ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 white onion, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef
6 oz can tomato paste
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can tomato sauce
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
16 oz whole milk ricotta
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Italian parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef in olive oil, add onions, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Cook Pasta: Cook ziti pasta until very al dente. Drain and set aside.
Assemble: Mix ricotta into the meat sauce. Combine with pasta. Layer in a baking dish with mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is browned and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use penne instead of ziti? Yes, penne can be used as a substitute for ziti.

2. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze baked ziti? Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 50 minutes.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, omit the ground beef and add vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

5. What type of cheese can I use? Mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano are traditional, but you can also use provolone or fontina.

6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy? Cook the pasta until very al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven.

8. Can I add more spices? Yes, adjust the seasoning to your taste with additional herbs and spices.

9. What can I serve with baked ziti? Serve with a fresh salad and garlic bread.

10. How do I make the dish spicier? Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

11. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes, store-bought marinara can be used for convenience.

12. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on a medium setting.

13. What type of ground meat can I use? Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be used as alternatives to ground beef.

14. Can I add wine to the sauce? Yes, adding a splash of red wine can enhance the flavor of the sauce.

15. How do I get a crispy cheese topping? Broil the dish for the last few minutes of baking to achieve a crispy, golden cheese topping.

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