Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Ziti combines everything you love about pasta into one satisfying dish. The ziti noodles hold onto the flavorful sauce, while layers of ricotta and melted mozzarella create a creamy, cheesy texture in every bite.

It’s easy to prepare and can be assembled ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining. You can customize it with meat or keep it vegetarian, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

  4. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

  6. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Mix until evenly coated.

  8. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

  9. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

  10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  11. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings.

Preparation time: 15–20 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: About 50–55 minutes

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also use plant-based crumbles as a substitute.

Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a slightly lighter texture. Add a layer of fresh spinach between the pasta layers for extra greens.

For extra richness, mix a beaten egg into the ricotta before layering. If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions in short intervals. Add a splash of water or sauce before reheating if it appears dry.

Baked Ziti freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I assemble Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?

Yes, cook it until al dente so it doesn’t become overly soft while baking.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Cover with foil during the first part of baking and avoid overcooking the pasta initially.

Can I make this without ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce can be used instead.

What’s the best cheese for the top?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds sharp flavor.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, assemble the dish, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw before baking for best results.

How do I make it spicy?

Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

What sides go well with Baked Ziti?

A simple green salad and garlic bread pair perfectly.

How long should it rest before serving?

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so it sets and slices more easily.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta dish layered with rich sauce and gooey cheese. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a reliable recipe for family dinners, gatherings, and satisfying leftovers.

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Baked Ziti

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50–55 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food casserole layered with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, Baked Ziti is hearty, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven:
    Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  • Cook Pasta:
    Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Prepare Sauce:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

  • Brown the Meat:
    Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

  • Simmer:
    Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes to blend flavors.

  • Combine:
    In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce and ricotta cheese until evenly coated.

  • Layer:
    Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add remaining pasta mixture and top with remaining cheeses.

  • Bake:
    Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  • Rest & Serve:
    Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired

Notes

For vegetarian Baked Ziti, omit meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.Cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a lighter texture.Mix a beaten egg into ricotta for a firmer layer.Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for spice.Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness after baking.

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