If you’re searching for the kind of comfort food that gathers people around the table with wide eyes and hungry smiles, Baked Ziti is exactly what you need. This classic Italian-American casserole delivers layers of saucy pasta, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory meat in every bite. With familiar pantry staples and bursts of cheesy goodness, it’s the dish everyone requests for weeknights, potlucks, and family celebrations. If you’ve never made Baked Ziti from scratch, get ready—this recipe is about to become one of your most-loved kitchen traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Ziti is in its simplicity—each ingredient is easy to find but carefully chosen for maximum flavor. Every component brings character to the dish, from the tender noodles to the rich tomato sauce and the irresistible layer of cheese.
- Ziti pasta (1 lb): The hero of the recipe—its tubular shape is perfect for catching every drop of sauce and cheese.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds a silky base for browning the meat and keeping everything luscious.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Delivers savory depth—use sausage for a little extra spice.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Sautéed for subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Aromatic and essential for that true Italian flavor.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): A shortcut superstar—use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Provides extra sauciness to coat every bite.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): The blend of herbs that infuses every layer with classic flavor.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and heightens all the savory notes.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): A little zing to round out the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For just a whisper of heat—totally up to your spice tolerance.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Delivers creamy richness—make sure it’s fresh for best texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ricotta and gives the filling its signature fluffiness.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups): That melty, bubbly, irresistible top layer.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Bold and nutty, with a golden finish when baked.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp, optional): For a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Make Baked Ziti
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F for the perfect baking environment. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, so your Baked Ziti slides out easily and boasts those beautifully crisp edges everyone loves.
Step 2: Cook the Ziti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until just al dente. Don’t overcook—the pasta will finish in the oven and you want a little bite left. Drain well and set aside, ready for its creamy, saucy partners.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, then sauté the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, letting those savory flavors develop. Drain off any excess fat to keep your Baked Ziti light and luscious.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Stir marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick) into the skillet with the meat. Let this mixture simmer together for 5–10 minutes; your kitchen will smell downright irresistible at this point.
Step 5: Blend the Ricotta Mixture
In a small bowl, blend ricotta cheese and a large egg until smooth. This step is the secret to that creamy, luscious middle layer that makes Baked Ziti so legendary. Add a pinch of salt here, if you like, for even more flavor.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Ricotta
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with half of the meaty sauce and gently fold in the ricotta mixture. This step ensures every single noodle is coated in flavorful goodness and everything stays moist as it bakes.
Step 7: Layer and Assemble
Spoon half of the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, then scatter with 1 cup of mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture, spread on the rest of the sauce, and top off with the final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Layering creates that classic, mouthwatering look and gooey texture.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes, letting everything meld together. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and the cheese turns golden and inviting. Rest for 10 minutes before serving so your Baked Ziti slices neatly.
How to Serve Baked Ziti
Garnishes
Don’t skip a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley! Not only does it add vibrant color, it brings a fresh herbal note that balances all that delicious richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra Parmesan on top never hurts.
Side Dishes
Baked Ziti pairs perfectly with a simple green salad drizzled in Italian vinaigrette or a platter of garlicky roasted broccoli. And, let’s be honest, a warm basket of crusty garlic bread is practically required to mop up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun gatherings, bake Baked Ziti in individual ramekins for personal portions that feel so special. Or, swap the casserole dish for a cast-iron skillet for an extra-rustic, charming presentation. If you want to add a dramatic table moment, try sprinkling the top with fresh basil ribbons right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Baked Ziti tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making lunch or dinner the next day blissfully easy.
Freezing
Baked Ziti is a freezer superstar! You can assemble the dish (unbaked), wrap it up well, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re craving a warm, cheesy meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—add an extra 10–15 minutes if needed to ensure it’s hot all the way through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions (just add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist). The cheese may melt again, but those layers and flavors will stay just as irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Ziti vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian version.
What’s the best pasta shape for Baked Ziti?
Ziti pasta is traditional thanks to its tubular shape and texture, but penne or rigatoni work beautifully if you need a substitute—they hold sauce and cheese just as well.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Ricotta is classic for its creamy texture, but you can substitute cottage cheese or even a blend of both if you prefer. For extra protein or flavor, try folding in a bit of spinach too!
Can I assemble Baked Ziti in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes Baked Ziti a fantastic option for busy weeknights or prepping before guests arrive.
How can I make Baked Ziti gluten-free?
It’s easy—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
Baked Ziti is a true celebration of cozy, Italian-American flavors, with a fuss-free method that’s as rewarding for the cook as it is for anyone lucky enough to dig in. Don’t be surprised if requests for seconds and thirds start rolling in—this irresistible casserole has a way of bringing everyone back for more. Go ahead and give it a try; your table (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Baked Ziti recipe. Layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheeses come together for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: Brown ground beef (or sausage), onion, and garlic in olive oil. Add marinara sauce, tomato sauce, seasonings, and simmer.
- Mix cheese: Combine ricotta cheese with egg until smooth.
- Layer: Combine pasta with meat sauce and ricotta mixture. Layer in baking dish with cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta or add spinach to the ricotta layer for extra veggies.
- This dish freezes well—just assemble and freeze before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
