Comfort food at its finest, Baked Ziti is a timeless Italian-American favorite that brings cheesy, saucy goodness straight to your table. This easy-to-make casserole combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, savory ground meat, and a luscious blend of cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, baked ziti delivers big flavor with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless and Delicious – With simple steps and pantry staples, it’s a no-fuss meal that tastes like it took hours to make.
Cheesy Comfort – Layers of gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta make every bite a melty delight.
Family Favorite – Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Customizable – Add veggies, switch up the meat, or go vegetarian to suit your preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready—ideal for busy schedules.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti
This list may look low-key, but don’t be fooled—it delivers.
Ziti pasta: The star of the dish, ziti holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Olive oil: A splash of this liquid gold adds richness and helps sauté the veggies.
Onion: Diced onions bring sweetness and depth to the sauce, making it more aromatic.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your protein for a hearty base; both options add savory goodness.
Marinara sauce: This is the heart of the dish, providing a rich, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
Dried oregano and basil: These herbs infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors, making it feel authentic.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a delightful kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich, ricotta adds a luscious texture and balances the dish.
Egg: This helps bind the ricotta mixture, giving it a smooth consistency.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty topping that makes baked ziti irresistible.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella.
Fresh basil: Optional for garnish, it adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
For a vegetarian version, swap out the meat for sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Toss in spinach or kale to sneak in extra nutrients.
Exact quantities are in the printable recipe below.
How to Make Baked Ziti
Creating baked ziti is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is crucial; overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the oven.
Salt the boiling water generously before adding pasta for best flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The aroma of sautéing onions and garlic is simply irresistible and sets the stage for the flavors to come.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Next, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. This step adds a hearty base to your baked ziti, making it satisfying and filling.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Seasonings
Now, stir in the marinara sauce along with the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich sauce that will coat the pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth. This creamy mixture adds a delightful texture to your baked ziti, making every bite a little more indulgent.
Step 6: Mix Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated. This is where the magic happens! The pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors, ensuring every forkful is packed with taste.
Step 7: Layer the Ingredients
Spread half of the ziti mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Layer the remaining ziti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. These layers create a beautiful, cheesy masterpiece!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips for Success
Cook pasta just until al dente—it continues to soften in the oven.
Let ziti cool slightly after baking for easier serving.
Mix up the cheese blend with provolone, fontina, or gouda for a twist.
Add a splash of red wine to your sauce for depth and richness.
Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate—bake when ready!
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works wonders for browning meat and sautéing veggies.
9×13-inch baking dish: Any oven-safe dish will do if you don’t have this size.
Mixing bowls: Use any size; just make sure they’re sturdy for mixing.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up meat.
Aluminum foil: Essential for covering the dish while baking.
Variations
Vegetarian Delight: Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra layer of heat.
Cheesy Overload: Mix in different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist.
Whole Wheat Ziti: Use whole wheat ziti for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative that still tastes great.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute ziti with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side for a classic pairing.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of baked ziti.
Wine: Pair with a robust red wine like Chianti to enhance the flavors.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs about Baked Ziti
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different texture. Both options will still provide that creamy goodness.
Can I freeze baked ziti? Yes, baked ziti freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored for up to three months.
How do I reheat leftover baked ziti? To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. This helps keep the cheese from drying out.
Is baked ziti a good option for meal prep? Definitely! Baked ziti is perfect for meal prep. You can portion it out into individual servings for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Baked Ziti is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together. From the comforting layers of pasta and rich sauce to the irresistible pull of melted cheese, each bite is a reminder of why this dish is a timeless favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, friends, or on a cozy night in, baked ziti is sure to warm both your heart and your table. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of cooking, and let this classic recipe become a staple in your kitchen.
Baked Ziti is a delicious and easy pasta dish made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
8 ounces ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
Spread half of the ziti mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Layer the remaining ziti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture and the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finish with the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also add leafy greens such as spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
