Traeger Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines al dente ziti pasta with a rich, homemade marinara sauce and is topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The unique twist of baking it on a Traeger grill adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the flavors. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Traeger Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Using a Traeger grill gives our version a touch of smoke that sets it apart from traditional oven-baked versions.
We make a homemade marinara sauce for this dish, made with San Marzano tomatoes and Italian seasoning, and it is pretty easy to throw together, but I won’t be mad at you if you decide to hit the easy button and grab a jarred sauce. We really like Rao’s Marinara, or Victoria, but there are decent (more budget-friendly) versions, too. Just use your favorite!
Another common addition we make to this dish is to use ground beef, ground pork, or a mixture of the two, and brown it and break it up before adding the sauce. It adds a ton of flavor (and protein) to the dish and is one of our favorite meals.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Smoky Flavor: The Traeger grill adds a unique, delicious smokiness.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this a hassle-free recipe.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
- Homemade Sauce: Rich and flavorful marinara sauce enhances the overall taste.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melted mozzarella provides a delightful topping.
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Baked Ziti shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Ziti
- Marinara Sauce
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion, finely minced
- Minced Garlic
- San Marzano Tomatoes
- Tomato Puree
- Italian Seasoning Blend
- Salt
- Sugar (optional)
- Shredded Mozzarella
- Italian Herbs
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How to make Baked Ziti in the Traeger
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- Boil Pasta: Cook ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add tomatoes and puree, season with Italian herbs, salt, and sugar.
- Combine: Mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce.
- Bake on Traeger: Transfer the pasta to a grill-safe dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from grill and enjoy hot.
Enjoy with our Traeger Garlic Bread!
FAQ
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat baked ziti?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Combine and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Try our Shrimp Marinara!
Serve this with…
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing side dish.
- Grilled Asparagus: Adds a healthy and colorful touch.
More great pasta recipes!
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Traeger Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti
Marinara Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely minced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 28- ounce can San Marzano tomatoes
- 48- ounces tomato puree*
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt** see note!
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar optional
Toppings
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 teaspoon Italian Herbs
Instructions
- Put a large pot of salted water on the stove to boil.
- Preheat your grill to 350°F.
- Boil the noodles until they are about a minute shy of al dente.
- Drain and toss the pasta with the marinara sauce.
- Place the sauced pasta into a grill-safe baking dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Top with the mozzarella cheese.
- Put the baking dish into the Traeger and let it bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the grill and serve hot!
Nutrition
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.