The Best Baked Ziti from The Food Charlatan

Lora Lopez

Posted on July 3, 2025

The Best Baked Ziti from The Food Charlatan is a culinary masterpiece that brings the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine right to your dining table. This dish is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and care that goes into creating a meal that brings family and friends together. Imagine a bubbling casserole of ziti pasta enveloped in a rich, savory sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is a delightful experience, bursting with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy meal for your family, this baked ziti is sure to impress.

Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover meat or cheese you might have in your fridge. So, let’s dive into why this baked ziti is not just a recipe, but a staple in households everywhere!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, The Best Baked Ziti from The Food Charlatan is a top contender. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:

Easy Preparation: With a straightforward cooking process, even novice cooks can master this dish. The steps are simple and require minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground beef or Italian sausage, ziti pasta, and a medley of cheeses creates a rich and savory flavor profile. Each ingredient complements the others, making every bite a delicious experience.
Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to substitute the meat with your favorite protein or make it vegetarian by adding more vegetables. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Baked ziti is an excellent option for meal prepping. You can make a large batch, portion it out, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love this dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring smiles to the table, making it a great choice for family gatherings or potlucks.
Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish. Baked ziti evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth, making it perfect for cozy nights in.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This baked ziti recipe not only guarantees a delicious meal but also offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try:

Time-Saving: With a total cooking time of under an hour, The Best Baked Ziti from The Food Charlatan is a time-efficient option for busy families. You can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones.
Good for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully in the refrigerator, making it a fantastic option for leftovers. Just reheat and enjoy!
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank. It’s an economical option for feeding a family or a large group without sacrificing flavor.
Great for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal dinner, baked ziti is always a hit. Serve it up with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Easy Cleanup: With just one baking dish needed, cleanup is a breeze. Spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create The Best Baked Ziti from The Food Charlatan, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Recommended Tools

For successful preparation, gather the following utensils:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander for draining pasta
Large skillet for sautéing
9×13 inch baking dish for layering the ziti
Mixing spoon for combining ingredients
Aluminum foil to cover baking dish

Having these tools ready will streamline your cooking process and ensure that you can fully enjoy making this delightful dish.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started with The Best Baked Ziti from The Food Charlatan:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your ziti bakes evenly and achieves that perfect bubbly cheese topping.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Tip: Toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Sauté the Meat and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess fat, drain it. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce. Gently mix in the ricotta cheese until everything is well incorporated.
Layer the Ziti: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture in an even layer. Top it with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Pour the remaining ziti mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Tip: Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious baked ziti!

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti in advance?

Yes! You can prepare baked ziti ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a similar creamy texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I add vegetables to the baked ziti?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.

Conclusion

The Best Baked Ziti from The Food Charlatan is a delightful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its comforting flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this baked ziti will not disappoint. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe! Try it out, share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!

For more delicious recipes, check out Crock Pot Goulash or Slow Cooker Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.