This Ina Garten Baked Ziti recipe offers a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to bring a beloved Italian-American classic into your home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish is sure to become a staple.
Key Ingredients for Ina Garten Baked Ziti
- 2 pounds ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Ina Garten Baked Ziti
This Ina Garten Baked Ziti recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, delivering a truly restaurant-worthy experience in your own kitchen. The rich, meaty sauce melds beautifully with perfectly cooked ziti, all enveloped in creamy ricotta and gooey melted cheese. With a preparation time of approximately 30 minutes and a baking time of around 30-40 minutes, this satisfying dish is achievable even on a busy evening.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Meat: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Baked Ziti: Add the drained ziti pasta to the pot with the simmering meat sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spoon half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the baked ziti, followed by a generous dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (this helps prevent the cheese from burning too quickly). Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Brown the Cheese: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the sauce is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Baked Ziti
This Ina Garten Baked Ziti is a testament to the power of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something truly comforting and delicious. Unlike a quick pasta bake, this recipe builds layers of flavor with its slow-simmered meat sauce and creamy ricotta filling, offering a richer, more complex taste. The cost-saving benefit of making this hearty dish at home is significant, allowing you to create a crowd-pleasing meal for a fraction of the price of dining out, and it’s infinitely more satisfying than a store-bought frozen lasagna.
The combination of the savory ground beef, the tangy crushed tomatoes, the fragrant herbs, and the luxurious ricotta cheese creates an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Imagine that first bite – the tender ziti, the rich meat sauce, the creamy cheese beautifully melted together. It’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to recreate this Italian-American masterpiece; try the Ina Garten Baked Ziti recipe today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this delicious Ina Garten Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing and refrigerating to prevent condensation.
To reheat individual portions, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions or a more evenly heated dish, place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Should you wish to freeze this baked ziti for future meals, allow it to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the reheating instructions above. Alternatively, you can bake it directly from frozen, but it will require a longer baking time, likely 45-60 minutes, covered with foil for the majority of the time.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Baked Ziti is a true celebration of comfort food, offering a deeply satisfying experience with every bite. We wholeheartedly encourage you to bring this timeless classic into your own kitchen and share it with your loved ones.
Ina Garten Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well and set aside.2 pounds ziti pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 pound ground beef
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Add the drained ziti pasta to the pot with the simmering meat sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spoon half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture.2 pounds ziti pasta, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the baked ziti, followed by a generous dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese.1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (this helps prevent the cheese from burning too quickly). Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the sauce is heated through.
- Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.1/4 cup fresh parsley