Easy Baked Ziti Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dish for Every Occasion

Introduction

Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy pasta dish that’s easy to make and satisfying for the whole family? If you’re looking for a comforting, no-fuss meal, this easy baked ziti recipe is your answer. Imagine layers of al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and savory Italian seasoning all baked to perfection.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even better? It’s beginner-friendly and requires basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!

Let’s dive into the best basic baked ziti recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.

1. What is Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that combines cooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, cheese (mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan), and seasonings. It’s layered like lasagna but much easier to prepare.

The dish is baked until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly perfection, creating a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: No fancy skills are required. If you can boil pasta and mix ingredients, you can make this!
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable: Easily switch up the ingredients to match your taste.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta & Sauce: for Easy Baked Ziti

• 1 pound ziti pasta 🍝
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce 🍅
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
• 1 egg (to bind the cheese mixture)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish) 🌱

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the ziti 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (since it will continue cooking in the oven).
• Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer

• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg.
• Stir until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of sauce.
3. Add half of the cooked pasta.
4. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
5. Repeat with another layer of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
6. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

• Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dish for Every Occasion

A cheesy, saucy, and comforting baked ziti recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian-American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Colander
• Mixing Bowl
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish
• Wooden Spoon
• Aluminum Foil
• Oven

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta cooked al dente
• 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional for extra flavor
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground

Cheese Layer

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  
• Boil ziti pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  
• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg. Stir well.
• Layer half of the cooked ziti in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
• Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Video

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Keyword Basic Baked Ziti Recipe, Cheesy Baked Ziti, Easy Baked Ziti Recipe, Homemade Baked Ziti

5. Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

✔ Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor.
✔ Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t become mushy.
✔ Let it rest before serving to help the layers set.

6. Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Baked Ziti: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Extra Cheesy Version: Add more mozzarella and ricotta for ultra-creaminess.

7. What to Serve with Baked Ziti

This dish pairs perfectly with:
🥖 Garlic Bread – A must-have for soaking up the sauce.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A light side balances the richness.
🍷 A Glass of Red Wine – Complements the flavors beautifully.

8. How to Store and Reheat

Refrigeration:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals.
• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

9. Can You Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven!

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

There you have it—the best easy baked ziti recipe that’s simple, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this basic baked ziti recipe is sure to impress.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite baked pasta dish? Drop a comment below! 🍽️✨