Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food. With its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. This recipe combines simple ingredients to deliver big, hearty flavors. Best of all, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for busy schedules.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for extra texture)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Preparation
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside. - Prepare the meat sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. - Mix the cheese layer:
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the ziti:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top. - Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Serve:
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Variations
- Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Four-Cheese Ziti: Add shredded provolone and asiago cheese for extra cheesiness.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Cooking Note
If preparing ahead, assemble the ziti and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for soaking up the sauce.
- A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Tips
- Pasta Cook Tip: Undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook while baking.
- Make It Extra Creamy: Add a layer of béchamel sauce before the final cheese topping.
- Freezing: Baked Ziti freezes well! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 23g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni can be substituted for ziti.
2. How do I reheat baked ziti?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
3. What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
While both are layered pasta dishes, baked ziti uses tubular pasta and is generally less structured than lasagna, which requires flat noodles and defined layers.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish—simple to make yet full of rich flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a warm, cheesy meal, this recipe has you covered. Serve it with your favorite sides, and watch as it disappears from the table!