This baked ziti recipe brings all the flavors of lasagna but with half the effort. It’s hearty, cheesy, and easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, hosting guests, or planning meals for the week, this classic baked ziti delivers every time. It’s also incredibly adaptable—perfect for vegetarians, meat lovers, or anyone who just craves cheesy pasta.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ziti pasta
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
Tomato paste
Ricotta cheese
Egg
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Italian seasoning
Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
Add ground beef or sausage, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg, a portion of the mozzarella, and some grated Parmesan.
Combine cooked pasta with a portion of the sauce.
In a large baking dish, layer: half of the pasta mixture, dollops of the ricotta mixture, more sauce, then repeat layers.
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Four Cheese: Add provolone or fontina for an even cheesier result.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your sauces for hidden gluten.
Meat Lovers: Combine beef and sausage for a richer, heartier sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store 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 (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. To freeze, assemble the dish without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F, covered, for about 1 hour, then uncover and bake until bubbly.
FAQs
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti is simpler and doesn’t require layering pasta sheets. It has a similar flavor but is quicker to assemble.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. It freezes well both before and after baking.
What type of pasta can I use instead of ziti?
Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes with similar texture and shape.
Is it necessary to use an egg in the ricotta mixture?
The egg helps bind the cheese, but you can omit it if needed—the texture will be slightly different.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Cover with foil while baking and don’t overbake. Using enough sauce also helps keep it moist.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, a good-quality marinara makes preparation faster and still delicious.
What’s the best cheese for topping baked ziti?
Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor. You can also mix in provolone or fontina.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions.
How do I know when it’s done?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly with golden edges, and the center hot all the way through.
Conclusion
Irresistibly Cheesy Classic Baked Ziti is everything you want in a comforting pasta bake—rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of bold Italian flavors. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or pulling a batch from the freezer, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. A must-try for pasta lovers and perfect for any night of the week.
Irresistibly Cheesy Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese baked to perfection. A crowd-pleasing pasta bake that’s perfect for dinner, leftovers, or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or 3 cups marinara sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
Add ground beef or sausage, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Combine the cooked pasta with 2 cups of the meat sauce.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, dollops of ricotta mixture, and some meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Use a combination of beef and sausage for extra flavor.Omit meat and add vegetables for a vegetarian version.To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.Freezes well—assemble and freeze unbaked or freeze leftovers after baking.Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
