Baked Ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food—a classic Italian-American casserole that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or freezing it for a busy week ahead, this oven-baked pasta dish is versatile, easy to customize, and always delicious.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Baked Ziti Recipe
This dish captures everything that’s lovable about Italian comfort food: simplicity, warmth, and layers of cheesy, saucy goodness. It’s an effortless yet impressive recipe that doesn’t require complicated techniques or fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a baking dish.
What makes baked ziti stand out is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want it meat-free, gluten-free, extra spicy, or loaded with veggies, this dish can be transformed to meet your family’s needs. Even better, it’s ideal for prepping ahead or storing leftovers. One bake, many meals—it’s that good.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ziti pasta (penne or rigatoni can work if you don’t have ziti)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination for deeper flavor)
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, freshly minced
- Marinara or your favorite pasta sauce
- Dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg (to bind the ricotta mixture)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook just until al dente, which means the pasta should be firm to the bite. This prevents overcooking when the dish bakes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics and Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in the marinara or pasta sauce along with basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Prepare the Ricotta Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Add a pinch of salt and stir until well blended. This creamy layer adds richness and texture between the ziti and sauce.
6. Layer the Casserole
Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta evenly across the base. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the rest of the pasta, the remaining ricotta mix, and the rest of the meat sauce.
7. Add the Final Cheese Topping
Top everything with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve
Let the baked ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Serving Info and Cooking Times
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Easy Variations to Try
One of the best things about baked ziti is its adaptability. Here are some fun variations to inspire your next meal:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie-loaded alternative.
- Spicy Ziti: Use hot Italian sausage or stir in extra crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Lighter Version: Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a slightly lower-fat option.
- Cheesy Overload: Add an extra layer of shredded provolone or fontina for more gooey goodness.
- Herb-Infused: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or extra oregano can be added to the sauce for more depth.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration: Store leftover ziti in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–25 minutes).
Freezing: Baked ziti freezes beautifully. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
Cheesy Baked Ziti Delight
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Add a pinch of salt and stir until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the pasta, then half the ricotta mix, followed by half the sauce.
- Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
- Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Nutrition
FAQs About Baked Ziti
Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What kind of pasta works best if I don’t have ziti?
Penne and rigatoni are excellent substitutes. Both hold sauce well and maintain their texture after baking.
Do I have to use ricotta?
Ricotta is the traditional choice, but you can use cottage cheese or even layer with a creamy béchamel sauce if you’re feeling fancy.
Can I freeze baked ziti before or after baking?
Both work great. If freezing before baking, be sure to use a freezer-safe dish and bake from thawed. If freezing leftovers, divide into portions and store in airtight containers.
Why should I cook the pasta al dente?
Pasta continues to cook in the oven, so starting with al dente ensures it doesn’t turn mushy by the time you’re ready to serve.
Is it okay to use jarred sauce?
Yes, high-quality jarred marinara sauce is a convenient time-saver and tastes great. You can enhance it with extra garlic, herbs, or a splash of olive oil if desired.
What’s the best meat for baked ziti?
A blend of ground beef and mild Italian sausage offers the best of both worlds—savory, juicy, and full of flavor.
How do I keep the cheese from burning?
Always bake covered with foil for the first 20 minutes. Then remove the foil to let the top cheese melt and brown without drying out.
Can I make it completely meatless?
Yes! Simply eliminate the meat and increase the veggies or cheese layers for a hearty vegetarian option.
What should I serve with baked ziti?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus are perfect sides that balance the richness of the pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a satisfying, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s easy to throw together and perfect for any occasion, this Baked Ziti recipe is the answer. Whether you’re planning a big family dinner, prepping freezer meals, or feeding unexpected guests, this dish never fails to deliver. Its creamy texture, bold flavor, and irresistible cheesiness make it a dependable favorite that’s both nostalgic and delicious.
Give it your own spin, try different add-ins, or double the recipe and freeze half. However you make it, baked ziti is bound to become a regular in your home kitchen. Enjoy every bite!
