Baked ziti is the quintessential comfort food, a dish that evokes warmth and satisfaction with every cheesy, saucy bite. This classic recipe brings together tender pasta, a robust meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly melted mozzarella, all baked to a delightful golden brown. Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this baked ziti recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s straightforward to prepare, making it accessible even for beginner cooks, yet delivers results worthy of a restaurant.

⏱ Time: 45 min
👥 Servings: 6-8
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 12 ingredients
Craveable Baked Ziti: Ultimate Comfort Food - Baked ziti: Make this classic comfort food with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarel

Craveable Baked Ziti: Ultimate Comfort Food

Baked ziti is the quintessential comfort food, a dish that evokes warmth and satisfaction with every cheesy, saucy bite. This classic recipe brings together tender pasta, a robust meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly melted mozzarella, all baked to a delightful golden brown. Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this baked ziti recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s straightforward to prepare, making it accessible even for beginner cooks,
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Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g / 10oz ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 500 g / 1 lb ground beef or pork
  • 700 g / 24 oz tomato passata
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Method
 

  1. Cook ziti for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, return to pot.
  2. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 2 minutes until onion is translucent.
  4. Add 500g ground meat; cook, breaking it up, until just browned. Stir in 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp sugar and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Add 700g tomato passata and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Pour about 2 cups of sauce into the pot with the ziti. Toss well.
  7. Spread ziti mixture into a 23x33cm (9×13 inch) baking dish. Dollop with 1 cup ricotta cheese, then top with remaining sauce and 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese.
  8. Cover dish loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

– For an even richer sauce, use a 50/50 mix of ground beef and pork.
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, ensure your tomato passata is well-pureed.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • For an even richer sauce, use a 50/50 mix of ground beef and pork.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, ensure your tomato passata is well-pureed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Enjoy this incredibly satisfying baked ziti, a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

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