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BJ’s Baked Ziti Recipe
If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and downright comforting, this BJ’s Baked Ziti Recipe is going to hit the spot. This beefy, cheesy, and saucy pasta casserole is not only delicious it’s incredibly easy to prepare, using simple pantry staples you likely already have at home.
With layers of gooey mozzarella, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked ziti pasta, this dish rivals anything you’d find in a restaurant. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, baked ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
The best part? It reheats beautifully and can be made ahead, making it perfect for busy families, Sunday dinners, or make-ahead lunches. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this scrumptious classic!
Why You’ll Love BJ’s Baked Ziti
When I first made this BJ’s-style baked ziti, I wasn’t prepared for how fast it would disappear from the table. It was love at first bite the gooey cheese pull, the rich meat sauce, and the way the noodles soaked up every bit of flavor made it absolutely irresistible.
I especially loved how the fresh basil added a pop of color and fragrance to the dish. The layers of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella created that restaurant-quality finish I usually only dream about.
Honestly, this has become a regular in our house. It’s my go-to comfort meal when I need something hearty, easy, and sure to make everyone smile. One bite, and you’ll understand why!
Ingredients Required for BJ’s Baked Ziti Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this BJ’s Baked Ziti Recipe
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne/tube pasta)
- 2 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 5 cups marinara sauce (preferably homemade)
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 5.5 qt Dutch oven or large pot
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Cheese grater
- Box grater
- Knife & cutting board
- Large mixing spoon or spatula
- Colander
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Copycat BJ’s Baked Ziti Recipe
Just follow these easy steps to make your own BJ’s Baked Ziti at home
1. Boil the Pasta: Cook 1 lb of ziti (or penne) in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside do not rinse, so the sauce clings better to the pasta.
2. Prep the Aromatics and Cheese: Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Shred 12 oz mozzarella and grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Set aside 15 oz ricotta cheese and 10 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced.
3. Make the Meat Sauce: In a Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Add 1 lb ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft (5–7 min). Add garlic, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Cook for 1 more minute. Stir in 5 cups marinara sauce and basil; simmer 5 minutes.
4. Combine Sauce, Ricotta, and Pasta: Add ricotta to the meat sauce and stir gently. Mix in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a layer of meat sauce in a 9×13″ baking dish. Add half the pasta mixture, top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese.
6. Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Check some other recipes from BJ’s Brewhouse from below
How to Store BJ’s Baked Ziti Properly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. It also freezes well for up to 2 months just thaw and reheat before serving.
What to Pair and Serve with BJ’s Baked Ziti
1. With a Crisp Caesar Salad
We always pair our baked ziti with a classic Caesar salad. The crunch of romaine, the tangy dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cut through the richness of the cheesy casserole just perfectly. It’s a restaurant-style combo we never get tired of.
2. Garlic Bread (of course!)
Garlic bread is a must in our house. We love using a crusty baguette, slathering it with garlic butter, and toasting it until golden. It’s perfect for soaking up the leftover sauce on your plate because honestly, no drop should go to waste!
3. Roasted Veggies on the Side
On days we want to balance out the carbs, we roast a mix of seasonal veggies zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Tossed in olive oil and herbs, they add a bright, earthy touch that pairs so well with the ziti.
4. A Light Tomato & Cucumber Salad
In warmer months, we go for a fresh tomato and cucumber salad with red onion, olive oil, and a splash of red wine vinegar. It’s light, refreshing, and adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the dish.
5. A Glass of Red Wine
We’ve found that a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot brings out the deep, savory flavors of the meat sauce beautifully. It’s our favorite dinner pairing for a cozy night in, especially when the baked ziti is fresh out of the oven.
6. Served with Soup for a Hearty Meal
When we’re really hungry (or feeding a crowd), we serve it with a warm bowl of soup like tomato basil or Italian wedding soup. It makes the meal extra hearty and is perfect for cooler days.
7. Topped with Fresh Basil & Chili Flakes
Just before serving, we sometimes sprinkle on a little extra fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It adds color, heat, and that fresh herbaceous bite that takes the flavor to the next level.
8. Turn It Into a Ziti Sandwich
Yes, we’ve done this and it’s incredible. Scoop some leftover baked ziti onto a toasted hoagie roll, top with extra cheese, and broil it. It’s messy, indulgent, and totally worth it. Perfect for game day or lunch the next day.
9. Add a Side of Marinated Olives
This might sound fancy, but a small bowl of marinated olives on the side gives a salty, briny contrast to all that rich cheese and pasta. We serve this when we want the meal to feel a little elevated especially for guests.
10. Enjoyed Cold or Reheated the Next Day
We’ve both reheated it and snuck bites straight from the fridge and honestly, it’s still amazing either way. It’s one of those dishes that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, especially when the flavors have had time to settle.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
1. Don’t cook the pasta too long
Cook your noodles until they’re just firm. They will cook more in the oven, so don’t overdo it!
2. Stir the pasta while it’s boiling
Give it a stir right after you drop it in the pot. This keeps it from sticking together like a clump.
3. Chop the onion small
Even if you don’t like onions, it’s okay! They melt into the sauce and make it taste yummy.
4. Use fresh garlic if you can
Fresh garlic makes the sauce taste even better. Just smash, peel, and chop!
5. Don’t rinse the pasta
After you drain the noodles, leave them as they are. The sauce will stick better that way!
6. Add fresh basil for flavor
Basil smells nice and adds a little magic to the dish. Slice it gently so it stays pretty.
7. Don’t mix the ricotta too much
Just stir it a little. You want to see little spots of ricotta it’s fun and tasty!
8. Layer the cheese in two parts
Put cheese in the middle and on top. That way, every bite is cheesy and melty.
9. Let it rest before eating
When it comes out of the oven, wait 10 minutes. It’s super hot inside and needs to cool a bit.
10. Save leftovers for later
This ziti is great the next day. Just warm it up and enjoy it all over again!
FAQs on BJ’s Baked Ziti Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the BJ’s Baked Ziti Recipe.
1. Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Absolutely! We’ve made this with both ziti and penne, and honestly, they work equally well. Any tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce will do just fine just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
2. Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
We love the creamy richness ricotta adds, but if you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even a béchamel sauce for a different twist. We’ve tried all three ricotta gives the most classic flavor.
3. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, and we do it all the time! Just assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for prepping the night before a dinner party or busy weekday.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked?
Great question! We always undercook the pasta slightly al dente is key. Since it bakes further in the oven, starting with firmer noodles keeps everything from turning too soft.
5. What’s the best way to reheat baked ziti?
We’ve had great success reheating individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of water and cover with foil to keep it from drying out.
6. Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes! We often freeze it in individual portions for easy lunches. Just let it cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
7. What kind of marinara sauce do you recommend?
Homemade marinara makes a big difference we always use our own recipe. But if you’re using store-bought, go for a high-quality brand with simple, clean ingredients. It really enhances the flavor of the dish.
8. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Sometimes we mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to cook off any excess moisture so the casserole doesn’t turn watery.
9. What size baking dish should I use?
We always use a standard 9×13-inch casserole dish. It holds all the layers perfectly without spilling over. If you’re halving the recipe, an 8×8 dish works great.
10. Why does my cheese not brown on top?
The key is broiling for a few minutes at the end. We always broil the casserole after baking to get that golden-brown, bubbly top it makes a huge difference! Just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
This BJ’s Baked Ziti Recipe is pure comfort in a casserole dish cheesy, saucy, beefy perfection. It’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. Make it once, and it’ll become a household favorite. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it, and don’t forget to explore more of our easy dinner ideas!
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