Gather your friends and family for a hearty and delicious meal with this Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe, perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a party, or a casual get-together, this cheesy and flavorful baked ziti is sure to impress your guests. Inspired by award-winning competitions, this recipe combines tender pasta, savory meats, and a rich blend of cheeses to create a satisfying dish that everyone will rave about. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and even freeze for later enjoyment. Let’s dive into making this crowd-pleasing baked ziti that can serve up to 20 people!
Ingredients for Ultimate Baked Ziti for a Crowd
- 2 pounds (900 grams) dry ziti or penne pasta
- 1 cup (240 grams) chopped onion (frozen is fine)
- 2 pounds (900 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 hot Italian sausage link, crumbled (optional)
- 4 jars (26 ounces / 740 milliliters each) spaghetti sauce
- 3/4 pound (340 grams) sliced provolone cheese (not smoked)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 16 ounces (450 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 4 cups (400 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Italian seasoning (optional)
How to Make Ultimate Baked Ziti for a Crowd
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add 2 pounds (900 grams) of dry ziti or penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown 1 cup (240 grams) of chopped onion, 2 pounds (900 grams) of lean ground beef, and 1 crumbled hot Italian sausage link (if using) over medium heat. Once the meat is cooked through, add 4 jars (26 ounces / 740 milliliters each) of spaghetti sauce. Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 16 ounces (450 grams) of whole milk ricotta cheese, 1 cup (240 milliliters) of sour cream, 1 beaten egg, and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of Italian seasoning (if using). Stir the mixture until well blended.
Prepare the Baking Pans: Spray one jumbo or two large aluminum foil pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the Ingredients: Start layering the baked ziti in the prepared pans as follows:
- Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked ziti pasta.
- Layer half of the sliced provolone cheese.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Continue Layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining meat sauce, ziti pasta, provolone cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Add the Ricotta Mixture: Evenly spread the entire ricotta and sour cream mixture over the top layer of pasta and cheese.
Top with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup (100 grams) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta layer.
Bake the Ziti: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the prepared pans in the oven and bake until the ziti is bubbly and the cheese is melted, approximately 45 minutes.
Freezing Instructions (Optional): If you wish to freeze the baked ziti, assemble the dish as described above but do not bake it. Wrap the pans tightly with aluminum foil, label them, and place them in the freezer for up to several months.
Reheating from Frozen: To cook the ziti from frozen, transfer the wrapped pans to the refrigerator to thaw for a few days before serving. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the thawed ziti until it is bubbly, approximately 45 minutes. Allow the dish to rest for at least half an hour before serving to ensure it sets properly.
This Ultimate Baked Ziti Recipe is the perfect solution for feeding a large group without sacrificing flavor or effort. Its generous layers of savory meat, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheeses create a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast, a family reunion, or a casual party, this baked ziti is both versatile and easy to make in advance. The combination of rich spaghetti sauce, tender pasta, and a blend of cheeses ensures that every bite is delicious and memorable. Embrace the ease and taste of this crowd-pleasing dish and make it a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the smiles and satisfied appetites that follow when you serve this delightful baked ziti!
