The Best Baked Ziti

This easy Baked Ziti recipe combines creamy Alfredo pasta, hearty beefy spaghetti sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese to create the ultimate comfort meal. It’s a family favorite that’s quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. With a delicious balance of flavors, it’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Ziti is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The creamy Alfredo pasta pairs perfectly with the rich and hearty beefy spaghetti sauce, all topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 32-ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce

• 16-ounce jar Alfredo sauce

• 1 pound penne pasta (or ziti or rigatoni)

• ½ yellow onion, diced

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9″x13″ baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the pasta from sticking.

2. Cook the Pasta:

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Once done, drain any excess water, leaving the pasta as dry as possible.

3. Brown the Ground Beef:

In a medium saucepan, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat. Once the beef is browned and crumbled, drain any excess grease.

4. Add the Spaghetti Sauce:

Return the beef to the pot and pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce. Keep the mixture on low heat while the pasta finishes cooking.

5. Combine Alfredo Sauce with Pasta:

Once the pasta is done, place it back in the pot (with the heat off) and stir in the jar of Alfredo sauce until fully combined. This will make the pasta creamy and flavorful.

6. Assemble the Baked Ziti:

Pour the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared 9″x13″ baking dish. Spread the beefy spaghetti sauce mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.

7. Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sauce.

8. Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Rest and Serve:

Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. If desired, pour additional spaghetti sauce on top of each serving for extra flavor.

10. Serve:

Serve portions of Baked Ziti onto plates, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to create a veggie-packed version.

• Add Sausage: Substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra boost of flavor.

• Extra Cheese: For an extra cheesy dish, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or extra mozzarella over the top before baking.

• Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the spaghetti sauce or Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any short pasta shape, like rigatoni, penne, or mostaccioli, depending on your preference.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Baked Ziti ahead of time, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if baking from cold.

3. Can I freeze Baked Ziti?

Yes, Baked Ziti freezes well! Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar, but mozzarella gives the best melt and texture for this dish.

5. Can I make this dish without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.

6. How do I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes in the spaghetti sauce or add some hot sauce or chili paste to the Alfredo sauce.

7. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, using store-bought Alfredo sauce is perfectly fine for this recipe! Just make sure it’s a good-quality brand for the best flavor.

8. How can I make this dish more creamy?

For a creamier texture, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream to the Alfredo sauce or use a richer version of the sauce.

9. How do I know when it’s done baking?

Your Baked Ziti is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges, and the top should be slightly crispy.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Make sure your spaghetti and Alfredo sauce are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Best Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its creamy Alfredo pasta, hearty beefy spaghetti sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy and flavorful recipe will always hit the spot!

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