Baked Ziti With Homemade Italian Sauce
Creamy baked ziti with rich homemade Italian sauce features savory tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- oil
- onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 can puree (22 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz.)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 can water (22 oz.) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oregano
- small amount red pepper ⓘ
- small amount Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- pinch of sugar ⓘ
- small amount basil ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- Italian seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the onion in oil.
- Mix all remaining ingredients to make the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce during simmering. If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil works well as a substitute. For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use jarred marinara sauce instead of homemade if you're short on time. This recipe pairs beautifully with Fran'S Homemade Spaghetti Sauce for a variety of Italian flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked ziti hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of basil. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful variation, consider serving alongside Pignolata (Honey Balls) for a sweet finish to your Italian dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ziti With Homemade Italian Sauce contains roughly 518 calories, with 18g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (201% of the Daily Value), and calcium (144% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 56g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat it before mixing it with the ziti and baking. This method is especially useful during busy weeknights.
What type of pasta works best for baked ziti?
Ziti pasta is traditional, but you can use any similar shape like penne or rigatoni. The key is to pick a pasta that holds onto the sauce well. Just ensure it's cooked al dente since it will continue to cook while baking.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! You can freeze baked ziti before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).