Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This baked ziti is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble the whole thing up to 1 day in advance, cover it, and pop it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. 🗓️ Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for it being cold from the fridge.

Can I Freeze Baked Ziti?

Yes, you can definitely freeze this baked ziti! 🥶 Just assemble the whole dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. Easy peasy!

How Do I Know When the Ziti is Done?

The key signs your baked ziti is perfectly cooked are: 1) the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown, 2) the noodles are tender but still have a bit of bite, and 3) the ziti holds its shape nicely when you scoop it out. 👌 No need for a thermometer, just use your eyes and a gentle poke!

Can I Use a Different Pasta Shape?

Absolutely! While classic ziti is the way to go, you can definitely use other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. 🍝 Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to account for any size differences. The most important thing is that the pasta is cooked al dente before assembling the dish.

What's the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?

Reheating leftover baked ziti is a breeze! Just pop it in the oven at 375°F until it's hot and bubbly again, about 20-25 minutes. 🔥 You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't dry out. A quick sprinkle of extra sauce or a drizzle of milk can help keep it nice and moist.

Baked Ziti Recipe: Cheesy Delicious Family Meal

Ingredients

– 1 pound ziti pasta

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 onion, chopped

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

– 4 cups marinara sauce

– 15 ounces ricotta cheese

– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the meat sauce mixture. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It also freezes well! You can substitute the meat with vegetables or use a meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Author: Astrid
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Burgers, Melts & Sandwiches 🍔
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: baked ziti, pasta, comfort food, family dinner