Easy Baked Ziti Recipe: A Comforting Classic for Every Occasion

If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious pasta dish, then this easy baked ziti recipe is exactly what you need! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping, baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Imagine a warm, bubbling casserole of pasta, layered with a rich, meaty tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese—this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to whip up this dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Let’s dive in and discover how to make the perfect baked ziti, step by step!

What is Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta casserole made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and sometimes meat. It’s similar to lasagna but much easier to prepare since it doesn’t require layering sheets of pasta.

The name “ziti” comes from the Italian word “zita”, meaning bride, as this dish was traditionally served at weddings in southern Italy. Today, it’s a beloved comfort food enjoyed in homes across the world.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just cook, mix, and bake!
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser: A family favorite that’s great for gatherings.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake when needed.
✔️ Freezer-Friendly: Stores well for future meals.
✔️ Versatile: Can be made vegetarian or loaded with different meats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound ziti pasta 🍝
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce 🍅
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
• 1 egg, beaten 🥚
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional) 🌿

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Ziti

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add ziti pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (it will continue cooking in the oven).
• Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
• Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
• Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

3. Mix the Cheese Layer

• In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and egg.
• Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Assemble the Baked Ziti

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce.
• Add half of the cooked pasta, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the mozzarella.
• Repeat layers: pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and the remaining sauce.
• Top with extra mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve

• Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Best Cheese for Baked Ziti

The cheese selection makes all the difference! Here are the best choices:

• Mozzarella: For that classic stretch and melt.
• Parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
• Ricotta: Makes it creamy and rich.

For extra cheesiness, try adding provolone or fontina.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

✔️ Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooking makes it mushy.
✔️ Use Quality Marinara Sauce: A rich sauce enhances the flavor.
✔️ Let it Rest: Allows the layers to set before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add roasted veggies.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
• Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti?

Pair it with:
🥖 Garlic Bread – The perfect crispy side.
🥗 Caesar Salad – Light and refreshing contrast.
🍷 Red Wine – A classic pairing with Italian flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave in portions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcooking Pasta – It gets mushy when baked.
❌ Skipping the Cheese Layer – It binds everything together.
❌ Not Letting it Rest – It’ll fall apart when cut.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble everything in a baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, bake as directed.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe: A Comforting Classic for Every Occasion

pin srecipes

A cheesy, hearty, and delicious easy baked ziti recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and gatherings. Made with rich tomato sauce, flavorful beef, and gooey melted cheese!

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 8 portions

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish
• Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 1 lb ziti pasta or penne
• 1 tsp salt for boiling water

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided

For Topping

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente (1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with olive oil.
  
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
• Pour in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan. Set aside.
• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Add half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
  
• Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes covered. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
  

Video

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Keyword Baked Ziti, Best Baked Ziti, Easy Baked Ziti Recipe, Homemade Ziti Pasta

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This ultimate baked ziti recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it today! 🍽️