Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Pioneer Woman Baked Ziti

If you're looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta dish, look no further than the Pioneer Woman's famous baked ziti. Ree Drummond's take on this classic Italian-American comfort food is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the ziti according to package directions until just al dente — it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 8–10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Mix the Ricotta

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Stir until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

In a large 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta, then half the meat sauce, then dollop all of the ricotta mixture. Add the remaining pasta, then the remaining meat sauce. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

  • Don't overcook the pasta — slightly underdone pasta holds up better after baking.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
  • Make it ahead — assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freeze it — baked ziti freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Pioneer Woman baked ziti with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete Italian-inspired meal. It's the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pioneer Woman baked ziti without meat?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

What's the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

While both are baked pasta dishes with cheese and tomato sauce, lasagna uses flat noodles layered in a specific order, while baked ziti uses tube-shaped pasta tossed together — making it quicker and easier to assemble.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli all work great as substitutes for ziti.

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