What’s more comforting than a warm, bubbly, cheesy baked ziti fresh from the oven? Nothing, I tell ya! This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is my go-to for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and a total crowd-pleaser. It’s pure comfort food, y’all. Ready to dig in?
Top Reasons To Make It
This Easy Baked Ziti recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s genuinely easy! You don’t need any fancy ingredients or chef-level skills. Second, it’s customizable. Don’t like ricotta? No problem! Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Third, it’s perfect for making ahead. Assemble it in the morning or even the day before, then bake it when you’re ready. Who doesn’t love a stress-free dinner?
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: The star of the show! It holds sauce beautifully.
- Ground smoked turkey: Adds a savory depth.
- Onion: For aromatic sweetness.
- Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic.
- Crushed tomatoes: The base of our rich sauce.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies that tomato flavor.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and balances the acidity.
- Balsamic vinegar: A touch of tang.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy dreaminess.
- Mozzarella cheese: Stretchy, melty goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty and sharp.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For sauteing.
Specific quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti according to package directions, slightly undercooking it as it will continue to bake in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, brown the ground smoked turkey in a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Add the cooked ziti to the ricotta mixture and gently toss to coat. Then pour in the meat sauce and stir everything together.
- Pour the ziti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. So good.
Cheesy Variations & Substitutions
Want to make it even cheesier? Try adding a layer of provolone or fontina. Honestly, if you hate ricotta, cottage cheese works. And if you prefer vegetarian recipes, substitute the turkey for sauteed mushrooms. For a different flavor profile, try incorporating some sun-dried tomatoes.
Cooking Method Notes
For a crispier top, broil the ziti for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Assemble the ziti up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as usual. This is the perfect approach for a busy weeknight meal.
Freeze it assembled instead and allow for an increased cooking time.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Always ensure food is reheated to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? While ziti is traditional, many variations use penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just make sure it’s a sturdy pasta that can hold its shape.
I’m avoiding processed meats; can I substitute smoked turkey in such a way that this would be the best Easy Baked Ziti ever? You sure can! Ground beef or chicken are great alternatives for easy baked ziti meat sauce recipes. You could even leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian cheesy pasta bake that remains satisfying.
So, are you ready to give this Easy Baked Ziti recipe a try? I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s a simple, so, so satisfying dish that the whole family will love. From my Texas kitchen to yours, enjoy!
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Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Easy Baked Ziti is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner made with tender pasta, smoky ground turkey, and a rich tomato sauce all baked with gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect weeknight comfort food!
Ingredients
▢ 1 lb ziti pasta
▢ 1 lb ground smoked turkey
▢ 1 small onion, chopped
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
▢ 1/2 cup chicken broth
▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
▢ 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
▢ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
▢ 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
▢ 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
▢ Salt and pepper, to taste
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions, slightly undercooking it. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground smoked turkey and cook until browned.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan. Mix well.
7. Toss cooked ziti with ricotta mixture. Add meat sauce and gently stir until evenly combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
10. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
11. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute smoked turkey with Italian sausage or ground beef.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or chopped spinach for extra veggies.
This dish freezes well—assemble and freeze before baking for a make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: baked ziti, easy pasta bake, cheesy baked ziti, ground turkey pasta