Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.1 pound ziti pasta
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet with the browned meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- In a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches), spread about half of the meat sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Add the drained ziti pasta on top of the sauce. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Try to get a good spread of the ricotta.1 pound ziti pasta, 1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta and ricotta mixture, spreading it evenly to cover everything. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
- Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
The Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti is the ultimate in heartwarming, family-friendly cooking. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that proves homemade is always best. Once cooled, cover the baked ziti tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, allow the baked ziti to cool completely. Wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. You can also place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen baked ziti will keep for up to 2-3 months. The best way to reheat baked ziti is in the oven. For refrigerated portions, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. For larger quantities or frozen portions, you may need to increase the baking time and potentially remove the foil towards the end to re-melt and brown the cheese. For a quicker reheat, place a portion of baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. Be aware that the texture might be slightly softer than when reheated in the oven.