You know those days, right? The ones where the couch is calling your name, the to-do list is looking extra long, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly when my ultimate Lazy Day Ziti comes to the rescue. Seriously, this stuff is pure comfort food magic. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something amazing, even if your biggest effort was just opening a jar of sauce. I swear, the smell alone as it bakes is enough to make any day feel a little brighter.
This isn’t some fancy, complicated affair. It’s the real deal – simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and a whole lotta cheesy, saucy goodness. It’s become my go-to when I’m feeling a bit drained but still craving something hearty and delicious. It’s perfect for a relaxed Sunday dinner, a busy weeknight, or honestly, just because!
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Day Ziti
This Lazy Day Ziti is an absolute lifesaver for so many reasons:
- Super Quick Prep: Seriously, you’re looking at maybe 15 minutes of actual hands-on time. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time or energy.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: We’re talking jarred sauce and simple seasonings here, but don’t let that fool you! It tastes like you slaved away for hours.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s picky eaters, a potluck, or just your family, everyone devours this. It’s that universally loved, cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, it’s hearty, it’s cheesy – everything you want on a lazy day when you just need a hug in a bowl.
Gather Your Ingredients for Lazy Day Ziti
Alright, let’s get down to business! The beauty of this Lazy Day Ziti is that you probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 1 pound ziti pasta – Or any medium-sized tubular pasta will work if you don’t have ziti on hand.
- 1 pound ground beef – I usually grab 80/20, but whatever you have is fine. Just make sure to drain off that grease!
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce – Your favorite brand makes all the difference here.
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes – This adds a little extra sauciness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For that classic Italian flavor boost.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be shy, season it up!
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese – About a standard tub.
- 1 large egg – This helps bind the ricotta mixture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that salty, nutty kick.
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese – The more the merrier, right?
That’s it! See? Nothing too crazy. It all comes together so easily.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Lazy Day Ziti
Okay, so a few little tips for you. When it comes to the marinara sauce, please, please use one that you actually love the taste of! It’s the base of our sauce, so it really matters. If you’re feeling a little adventurous or want to kick things up a notch, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings. It adds a lovely little warmth without being too spicy.
Now, if you’re going meatless, no worries at all! You can totally skip the ground beef. I’ve made it with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini, and it’s honestly just as delicious. Just chop them up small and cook them down a bit before adding them to the sauce mixture. Oh, and one little thing I’ve found makes the ricotta layer super smooth: try to have your ricotta, egg, and Parmesan cheese at room temperature. It just mixes together so much easier that way!
Simple Steps to Prepare Your Lazy Day Ziti
Alright, let’s get this Lazy Day Ziti party started! It really is as easy as it sounds. First things first, get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and toasty for our cheesy creation.
While the oven’s warming up, grab a big pot and cook your ziti pasta. Follow the package directions, but aim for that perfect “al dente” – you know, tender but with just a little bite. Nobody likes mushy pasta in their ziti! Once it’s cooked, drain it really well and set it aside.
Now, grab a large skillet and get that ground beef browning over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks. Once it’s all browned and delicious, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy ziti, trust me!
Into that same skillet with the beef, toss in your jar of marinara sauce, the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This lets all those flavors get to know each other and meld together beautifully.
While the sauce is doing its thing, let’s whip up that creamy ricotta layer. In a medium bowl, just mix together the ricotta cheese, your egg, and that grated Parmesan cheese. A quick stir is all it needs.
Time to assemble! Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about half of that yummy meat sauce mixture evenly on the bottom. This is our flavor base!
Next, layer all that cooked ziti right over the sauce. Try to get it as even as you can. Then, take that ricotta mixture and dollop spoonfuls all over the ziti. Don’t worry about making it perfect; it’ll spread out as it bakes.
Pour the rest of that glorious meat sauce over the ricotta layer, making sure to cover everything. Finally, sprinkle that shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Go ahead, be generous!
Pop that dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be all melted, golden, and bubbly. Oh, it smells SO good!
Once it’s out, do yourself a favor and let it stand for about 5 minutes before you dive in. It helps everything set up a bit, making it easier to serve and taste all those layers.
Tips for the Perfect Lazy Day Ziti
A few little tricks can make your Lazy Day Ziti absolutely perfect. First, don’t overcook your pasta! Al dente is key for that lovely texture. When you’re layering, try to spread the ricotta mixture as evenly as you can so you get that creamy goodness in every bite. And for the mozzarella, you want it melted and bubbly, maybe even with a few golden-brown spots – that’s how you know it’s ready! A quick look and a gentle poke will tell you if it’s heated through.
This Lazy Day Ziti is fantastic all on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through all that cheesy richness. Or, you know, some warm garlic bread for extra dipping power? Yes, please!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the ziti cool completely, then wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready for round two, the best way to reheat it is in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it, but the oven really brings back that lovely cheesy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lazy Day Ziti
Got questions about this amazing Lazy Day Ziti? I’ve got answers!
Can I make Lazy Day Ziti ahead of time? Oh, absolutely! You can totally assemble the whole dish (up to the baking step) a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, but it’s totally worth it for stress-free meal prep.
What can I serve with Lazy Day Ziti? Like I mentioned, a simple green salad is fantastic. Garlic bread is always a winner, too! Sometimes I just serve it with some crusty bread for mopping up all that sauce.
How long does Lazy Day Ziti last in the refrigerator? It’s best eaten within 3 to 4 days. Make sure it’s covered well!
Can I freeze Lazy Day Ziti? Yes, you can! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
What kind of pasta is best for Lazy Day Ziti? Ziti is the classic choice, but honestly, rigatoni, penne, or even rotini work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s a shape that can hold onto all that delicious sauce!
Nutritional Estimate for Lazy Day Ziti
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how you measure things! But generally, one serving of this glorious Lazy Day Ziti is around 550 calories, with about 28g of fat, 25g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It also has roughly 850mg of sodium. It’s a hearty dish, for sure!
Lazy Day Ziti: 15 Min Prep Masterpiece
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting baked ziti dish perfect for a relaxed meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread about half of the meat sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the cooked ziti over the sauce.
- Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the ziti.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing of the ricotta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: baked ziti, easy pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta