Sunday Supper Baked Ziti a Family Favorite

Q: Okay, so what *is* Baked Ziti, exactly? It looks amazing, but I've never made it!

Baked Ziti is basically the lasagna's cooler, more laid-back cousin. It's a classic Italian-American pasta casserole, featuring ziti noodles tossed with a rich meat sauce (though vegetarian options are totally a thing!), a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese that gets all bubbly and golden in the oven. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food hug in a dish!

Sunday Supper Resep Pasta Baked Ziti Family Favorite

By Amara Vitalis September 21, 2025

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3.00 (2 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook to Your Heart (and Stomach!)

Ever crave that comforting, cheesy pasta bake? This resep pasta will become your new weeknight hero! It's the best baked ziti , packed with flavor and easy to make.

Overview: From Italy (ish) to Your Table

Baked ziti is an Italian American classic. It's total comfort food, think of it as resep pasta italia , and has humble origins.

This easy baked ziti recipe takes about an hour and a quarter, including prep. It serves 6-8 hungry folks.

Why You'll Obsess Over This Resep Pasta Panggang

Honestly, the sunday dinner pasta tradition alone makes this dish special. But its got more to it! The ricotta adds creaminess, making it a nutritional homerun and a hug in a dish.

Think family, friends, and a whole lotta yum. It is one of the most delicious pasta recipes for family .

Ready to gather your ingredients and get cooking this homemade pasta bake ?

What You'll Need

So, grab these things and lets go make a party!

Pasta and Cheese: The Main Players

1 pound ziti pasta (450g)
15 ounces ricotta cheese (425g)
8 ounces mozzarella cheese (225g), shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
1 large egg

Sauce Ingredients: The Flavor Bomb

2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (450g)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
A dash of dry red wine (optional) (120ml)
Spices: oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, pepper

Time to get our hands dirty!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Sunday Supper Baked Ziti a Family Favorite presentation

Alright, so you wanna make some resep pasta that'll knock your socks off? We're diving into my version of resep baked ziti , a family staple.

Think of it as the easy baked ziti recipe for a comforting sunday dinner pasta . Trust me, this homemade pasta bake will become a regular.

The best part? The recipe is flexible.

Main Ingredients for Your Best Baked Ziti

Okay, let's talk ingredients. We're aiming for serious flavor here. This isn't just any pasta ziti recipe ; this is our resep pasta italia !

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Use a good quality extra virgin; you'll taste the difference. If you have no time try using coconut oil instead.
Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white works fine.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Seriously, don't skimp on the garlic.
Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). I like using 80/20 for flavor, but leaner is fine too. You can use even grounded turkey!
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended for a kick).
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Quality matters here; look for good Italian brands.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g).
Dry Red Wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) (optional, but it adds depth). I usually use some left over Chianti. If you don't have any try using some vinegar.
Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon .
Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g), whole milk or part skim. Whole milk is creamier, of course.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g), grated. Freshly grated is always better.
Large Egg: 1 , lightly beaten.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup , chopped.
Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (450g). Penne works in a pinch.
Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces (225g), shredded. Use the low-moisture kind for better melting.

Seasoning Secrets for Amazing Resep Pasta Panggang

Seasoning is EVERYTHING. I always start with salt and pepper, of course. For this, the combo of oregano, basil, and a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes makes the sauce sing.

And don't be afraid to taste and adjust as you go! Garlic powder and onion powder are perfect substitutes.

Equipment: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gear for this pasta recipes for family . All you need is a large pot for the pasta.

And a large skillet for the sauce. Finally, a 9x13 inch baking dish is what you'll need. If you don't have a baking dish try using an aluminum pot.

Sunday Supper Baked Ziti: Your New Family Tradition

Okay, picture this: It's Sunday. The smell of garlic and tomatoes is wafting through the house. Everyone's hungry, and you're about to unveil the best baked ziti ever .

This isn't just any pasta ziti recipe ; this is a hug in a dish. I'm talking about Sunday dinner pasta perfection.

Seriously, try this resep pasta .

Honestly, this resep pasta panggang is a game changer for those nights when you need something comforting but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

It's the perfect pasta recipes for family night. Think of this as a guide for how to cara membuat baked ziti .

Prep Steps for Ziti Glory

First things first: Mise en place is key. Chop your onion, mince your garlic. Measure out your spices. Having everything ready is my personal chef hack.

Time saving tip : I always brown my ground beef the day before, then store it in the fridge. This cuts down on prep time significantly .

Oh, and remember: Safety first! Don't be like me and try to chop onions while scrolling through TikTok. Keep your fingers away from the blade.

step-by-step to Baked Ziti Bliss

Cook the ziti to al dente. Usually around 8- 10 minutes . Drain and set aside. Important : Don't overcook it.
Sauté onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the 1 pound ground beef. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the spices, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine (optional but highly recommended), and sugar. Simmer for at least 20 minutes . The longer, the better!
Mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Layer everything in a baking dish. Ziti, ricotta, meat sauce, repeat. Top with 8 ounces of mozzarella.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes . Watch for that golden brown, bubbly cheese.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set.

Pro Tips for Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Want to avoid a watery sauce? Use good quality crushed tomatoes. San Marzano is always a good call for authentic resep pasta italia .
Don't skip the sugar in the sauce! It balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
make-ahead option: Assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it unbaked. Add about 10- 15 minutes to the baking time. It is basically a homemade pasta bake .

Recipe Notes: Cracking the Resep Pasta Code

Alright, let's dive into some essential recipe notes for this Sunday Dinner Pasta , the homemade pasta bake . Consider this your cheat sheet for amazing easy baked ziti recipe .

I'm talking next level deliciousness, not just edible. You know?

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate

Presentation matters, even when it's just you! For plating, a generous scoop of best baked ziti , sprinkled with fresh basil (if you're feeling fancy!) always looks the part.

I always pair it with garlic bread. We are carbo loading, baby! A crisp Caesar salad cuts through the richness nicely.

Thinking about drinks? A chilled glass of white wine is my go-to. For the full Italian experience, you can serve resep pasta italia alongside a robust chianti.

Storage Tips: Making It Last

Honestly, leftovers are the BEST. For refrigeration, store your resep pasta panggang in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To freeze resep baked ziti , wrap it tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. It'll keep for about 2 months.

When reheating, I like to add a splash of water before covering it with foil and baking at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Variations: Your Ziti, Your Rules!

Got picky eaters? No problem! You can easily adapt this pasta ziti recipe . For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and load up on veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and spinach.

For the spice fiends, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture. You can't go wrong with this resep pasta .

Nutrition Basics: Fueling the Fun

Okay, so it is not exactly health food, but its delicious!. Think of it as soul food. Each serving has approximately 550-650 calories .

Plus, you get a good dose of protein, which keeps you full and happy.

So, there you have it! With these notes, you're armed and ready to create the most amazing cara membuat baked ziti .

Get cooking and enjoy! I know your pasta recipes for family and friends will love it. Let me know how it turns out!

Delicious Baked Ziti The Ultimate Resep Pasta Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, so what is Baked Ziti, exactly? It looks amazing, but I've never made it!

Baked Ziti is basically the lasagna's cooler, more laid back cousin. It's a classic Italian American pasta casserole, featuring ziti noodles tossed with a rich meat sauce (though vegetarian options are totally a thing!), a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese that gets all bubbly and golden in the oven.

Think of it as the ultimate comfort food hug in a dish!

My sauce always tastes a little...meh. Any tips for making the best meat sauce for this resep pasta?

Absolutely! The key to a killer meat sauce is patience. Don't rush the simmering process let it bubble away on low heat for at least 20 minutes, but even longer is better. Also, don't be shy with the seasoning! Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.

A splash of red wine (if you're so inclined) and a pinch of sugar can also work wonders to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Can I make this Baked Ziti ahead of time? I'm trying to channel my inner Mary Berry and get organised!

You bet! Assembling the ziti ahead of time is a great way to save time on the day you plan to serve it. Simply prepare the entire dish according to the instructions, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

What if I don't have ziti pasta? Are there any good substitutes I can use for this resep pasta dish?

No ziti? No problem! Penne or rigatoni pasta are excellent substitutes. They have a similar shape and texture to ziti, so they'll hold the sauce and cheese beautifully. Just make sure to cook them al dente, as they'll continue to cook in the oven.

Help! My Baked Ziti is always watery. What am I doing wrong?

Watery Baked Ziti is a common problem, but easily fixable! Make sure you drain the cooked pasta really well. Also, pressing the ricotta between paper towels to remove excess moisture helps. Finally, ensure your meat sauce has simmered long enough to reduce and thicken.

Using good quality canned tomatoes also minimizes water content.

Leftovers! How do I store and reheat Baked Ziti? And how long will it last?

Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the whole dish in the oven until heated through. For the oven, cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.

A cheeky splash of milk or water during microwave reheating can help revive the sauce.