Best 7 Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipes

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a hearty, cheesy baked ziti. This classic Italian-American casserole is a delicious combination of pasta, sauce, cheese, and seasonings, baked until golden brown and bubbly. With so many variations to choose from, finding the best baked ziti recipe can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and delicious baked ziti recipes, providing you with all the information you need to create a dish that your family and friends will love. From classic recipes passed down through generations to modern twists on this timeless favorite, we have something for everyone.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BEST BAKED ZITI EVER



Best Baked Ziti Ever image

This is seriously the Best Baked Ziti Ever. Your family is going to love the homemade meat sauce, and that ricotta and cream cheese topping takes it to the next level!

Provided by Rachel Farnsworth

Categories     Main Dish

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 white onion (, diced)
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
5 cloves minced garlic
6 ounce can tomato paste
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
15 ounce can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound ziti pasta
8 ounces cream cheese (, softened)
8 ounces ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Pour olive oil into a large, deep skillet, over medium-high heat. Add in ground beef and brown, 5 minutes. Add in diced onions, and mushrooms (optional). Saute for 5 to 7 minutes until onions are soft and translucent, and ground beef is cooked through.
  • Add in garlic and tomato paste and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until pasta is ready.
  • Cook pasta in boiling water, according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Prepare the cheese topping in a small mixing bowl by combining cream cheese, ricotta, and parmesan. Mix together until smooth.
  • Once the pasta is done, add it into the meat sauce and stir to combine. Pour it into a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Spread cheese mixture on top of the pasta.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 657 kcal, Carbohydrate 67 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 30 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Cholesterol 88 mg, Sodium 1026 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 13 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THE BEST BAKED ZITI



The Best Baked Ziti image

I am half Italian, was raised eating the finest Italian-American cuisine, and have filmed almost 2000 recipe videos, so when you consider all of those facts, it seems incredible that I have never posted a video for baked ziti. Hopefully I make up for that long wait by posting what I think is the best version of it.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

¾ pound hot Italian sausage
¾ pound sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 (24 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce
2 cups water
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 drizzle olive oil
1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 teaspoon chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Cut down the length of each sausage with a sharp knife. Remove and discard casings.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan set over high heat. Add sausages and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up with a spatula, until the sausage begins to brown, and the onion turns translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in marinara sauce. Pour 1 cup water into each jar to rinse out remaining sauce; add to the saucepan. Stir together and bring sauce to a simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Turn off heat and reserve until needed. Before using, skim any excess fat that rises to the surface.
  • While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 or 2 minutes less than the directions on the package call for, about 8 minutes. Drain well and transfer into a large mixing bowl.
  • Carefully add the meat sauce and stir until thoroughly combined. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a large 9x15-inch or 9x13-inch casserole dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared dish, then use a spatula to even out into a uniform layer. Top with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and then 1/2 of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, being sure to distribute evenly. Top with the rest of the pasta and sauce mixture and give the pan a little shake to settle the sauce. Repeat the cheese application.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is piping hot, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Top with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 627.1 calories, Carbohydrate 58.1 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 30.8 g, SaturatedFat 11.9 g, Sodium 1380.1 mg, Sugar 14.4 g

BEST ZITI EVER



Best Ziti Ever image

Ziti is layered with sausage, ricotta, mozzarella and tomato sauce, then baked until bubbling.

Provided by Dawn

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil, divided
12 ounces ricotta cheese
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
1 dash salt and pepper
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. In a large saucepan, heat marinara with 1 teaspoon basil until bubbling. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
  • Spread bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with sauce. Layer 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2, the sausage, 1/2 of the ricotta, and 1/2 the mozzarella. Spoon half of the sauce over top. Repeat layers. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 teaspoons basil and Italian seasoning.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 695.6 calories, Carbohydrate 71.3 g, Cholesterol 75.2 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 36.6 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 1617.5 mg, Sugar 17.5 g

BAKED ZITI



Baked Ziti image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
Two 14.5-ounce cans tomato sauce or marinara sauce
One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes with juice
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ziti
1 1/2 pounds mozzarella, grated
One 15-ounce tub whole-milk ricotta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for sprinkling
2 eggs

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions and saute until starting to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and sausage and cook until browned. Drain off almost all of the fat, leaving a bit behind for flavor and moisture. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and some salt and pepper. Stir, bring to a simmer and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove 3 to 4 cups of the cooked sauce to a bowl to cool down.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt. Cook the ziti until not quite al dente.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a bowl, mix 2 cups of the grated mozzarella, the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, eggs and some salt and pepper. Stir together just a couple of times (do not mix completely).
  • Drain the pasta and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Pour it into the bowl with the cheese mixture and toss to slightly combine (there should still be large lumps). Add the cooled reserved meat sauce and toss to combine.
  • Add half the coated pasta to a large casserole dish or lasagna dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with half the remaining mozzarella. Repeat with another layer of the coated pasta and the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
  • Bake until bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before sprinkling with chopped parsley to serve.

BEST BAKED ZITI- EVER!



Best Baked Ziti- Ever! image

I've made this recipe many times! It is THE best! My family prefers this over lasagna! Make sure to use ziti noodles (made with semolina) and fat-free sour cream for the best taste!

Provided by HumbleCook

Categories     Meat

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 pan, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb ziti pasta
4 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 ounces nonfat sour cream
32 ounces prego traditional-style spaghetti sauce
1 lb ground beef or 1 lb ground meat substitute
1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven 350°F.
  • Cook ziti noodles as directed on box. Drain.
  • Mix raw beef and seasoned salt.
  • Cook ground beef into crumbles on the stove top over medium heat until evenly browned.
  • Add spaghetti sauce to beef and simmer for about 5 minutes or until hot.
  • Grease 9x13 pan.
  • Put half of cooked noodles into the bottom of the pan.
  • Place the provolone cheese slices over the noodles.
  • Cover the cheese slices with the sour cream.
  • Put in half of the sauce mixture.
  • Next, put in the rest of the noodles.
  • Lastly, put in the rest of the sauce.
  • Cover with shredded mozzerella cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or bubbly.
  • For Vegetarian use the meat subsitute.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359.8, Fat 13, SaturatedFat 5.6, Cholesterol 41.3, Sodium 566.6, Carbohydrate 40.6, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 9.3, Protein 18.9

BEST BAKED ZITI



Best Baked Ziti image

Looking for a way to use up that leftover Tomato Sauce you made the other day? What better way than to try this ziti recipe! You can use canned sauce, but homemade is always better! Hope you enjoy this recipe! My kids practically grew up on it

Provided by Bev I Am

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

16 ounces ziti pasta, uncooked
3 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
cooking spray

Steps:

  • Cook ziti according to package directions; drain.
  • In large bowl, combine ziti, 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, egg, oregano, garlic powder and pepper.
  • In a 9" x 13" pan (sprayed with cooking spray- for easy clean-up) pour 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce; spread ziti mixture evenly over sauce.
  • Top with remaining 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce and spread evenly; sprinkle with parmesan cheese (I add additional mozzarella to the top as well).
  • Bake covered at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464.4, Fat 17.4, SaturatedFat 9.6, Cholesterol 78.4, Sodium 479.9, Carbohydrate 53.2, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 7, Protein 22.7

OVER-THE-TOP BAKED ZITI



Over-the-Top Baked Ziti image

I adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef, garlic and onions. The revised recipe was a success not only with my family but at potlucks, too. It's so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware Field Editor

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 cans (29 ounces each) tomato puree
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons dried oregano
4 teaspoons sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
ZITI:
1 package (16 ounces) ziti
1 large egg, beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Additional minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours., Cook ziti according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper and 5 cups sauce. Drain ziti; stir into cheese mixture., Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour remaining sauce over the top; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Garnish with additional parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499 calories, Fat 10g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 826mg sodium, Carbohydrate 72g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 29g protein.

Tips:

- Use a variety of cheeses for a more flavorful dish. Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are all classic choices, but you can also experiment with other types of cheeses, such as provolone, Asiago, or fontina. - Cook the pasta al dente before baking it. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven. - If you're using a jarred sauce, doctor it up with some fresh herbs, spices, or vegetables. This will help to give the sauce a more homemade taste. - Don't overcrowd the baking dish. The pasta should be able to spread out in a single layer so that it cooks evenly. - Bake the ziti until it's bubbly and golden brown. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes. - Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.

Conclusion:

Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make the best baked ziti ever. So next time you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal, give this recipe a try!

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