Baked Ziti is a hearty, comforting Italian-American casserole made with layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezing for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Ziti is everything you love about a good pasta dish—rich, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. It’s a no-fuss, oven-baked meal that requires simple ingredients and minimal effort. You can make it ahead, freeze it, or serve it right out of the oven to a hungry crowd. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ziti pasta (or penne as a substitute)
- Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Marinara or pasta sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg (for binding the ricotta layer)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground meat with onion until browned. Add garlic and sauté briefly.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
- In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add half the cooked pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
Serves 8
Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: about 50–60 minutes
Variations
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat or using sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or extra herbs for flavor.
- Make it gluten-free by using your favorite GF pasta.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Baked ziti also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What’s the best pasta for baked ziti?
Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni also work well.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking. Just wrap tightly and label with the date.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Ricotta is classic, but cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce can be used instead.
How do I avoid overcooked pasta?
Boil pasta just until al dente, since it will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, a good-quality marinara or pasta sauce works great for convenience.
What meat is best for baked ziti?
Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combo of both adds great flavor and texture.
How do I keep the cheese from burning?
Cover with foil for the first part of baking, then uncover to brown the top.
Can I make it meatless?
Yes, just skip the meat and add more veggies or cheese.
What sides go well with baked ziti?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make perfect pairings.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this easy pasta bake is always a hit. Make it your own with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.
Print
Baked Ziti
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Baked Ziti is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting pasta casserole made with layers of ziti noodles, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.
Ingredients
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1 lb ziti pasta
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1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
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1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
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1 egg
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
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In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
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In the prepared baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat sauce, and half the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers.
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Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
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You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
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Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Make it ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.