Delicious baked ziti recipe that's a family favorite and easy to make!

Classic Baked Ziti

Steps for Classic Baked Ziti

Here's a step-by-step instructions for making Classic Baked Ziti:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until beef is browned; stirring frequently.
  3. Stir in spaghetti sauce, chicken broth, and oregano.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Stir 1 cup of the sauce into the cooked ziti noodles.
  6. Spoon 1/2 of the ziti mixture into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  8. Top with 2 cups sauce, then remaining ziti mixture and remaining sauce.
  9. Cover and bake 20 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  11. Return to oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Why you'll love Classic Baked Ziti

  • Delicious Comfort Food: Classic Baked Ziti is a hearty and satisfying dish, combining pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. It's perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, providing a warm and comforting meal that appeals to all ages.
  • Easy to Make and Customize: With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, Baked Ziti is an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Additionally, it can be easily customized with various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or different types of cheese, allowing for endless variations to suit personal tastes.
  • Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers: Baked Ziti is an excellent make-ahead dish, as it can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Its flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as enjoyable, which saves time and effort on busy weeknights.
Classic Baked Ziti

Classic Baked Ziti

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until beef is browned; stirring frequently.
  • Stir in spaghetti sauce, chicken broth, and oregano.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir 1 cup of the sauce into the cooked ziti noodles.
  • Spoon 1/2 of the ziti mixture into a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Top with 2 cups sauce, then remaining ziti mixture and remaining sauce.
  • Cover and bake 20 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Return to oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

  • Ensure to cook the pasta al dente before baking; this prevents it from becoming too soft and mushy when mixed with the sauce and cheese, allowing for the perfect texture after baking.
  • Layer the ingredients thoughtfully, starting with sauce at the bottom, followed by pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce again; this helps to evenly distribute flavors and maintain moisture throughout the dish.