Baked Ziti Recipe

Few dishes feel as comforting and universally loved as a homemade baked ziti recipe. It’s rich, hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor—everything you want in a family-style pasta bake. With layers of tender ziti, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish delivers that warm, satisfying experience that makes Italian-American cooking so iconic.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a make-ahead meal, or craving something cozy on a busy weeknight, baked ziti is a recipe that never disappoints. With simple ingredients and reliable technique, you can create a dish that feels restaurant-quality without the effort.

Why Baked Ziti Recipe Is So Loved

Baked ziti works because it blends comfort, richness, and simplicity:

• Ziti pasta holds sauce beautifully and creates the perfect bite.

• Tomato-meat sauce adds depth and heartiness.

• Ricotta and mozzarella give the casserole its creamy, cheesy layers.

• Baking enhances texture and melds flavors into something irresistible.

• Accessible ingredients make it budget-friendly and easy to customize.

The combination of pasta, sauce, seasonings, and cheese makes each forkful satisfying from top to bottom.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Colander

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Mixing bowl

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Aluminum foil

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Wooden spoon or spatul

Ingredients List for Baked Ziti Recipe

For the Pasta

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne)

• Salt for boiling water

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jar (24–26 oz) marinara sauce or homemade sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 egg

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp dried basil

• Pinch of salt and pepper

For Topping

• 1–2 cups mozzarella cheese

• Extra Parmesan

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Prep Time, Cook Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

• Servings: 6–8 servings

How to Make Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just under al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Expert Advice: Since the pasta bakes in the oven, undercooking slightly ensures it doesn’t turn mushy.

Step 2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat. Break into small pieces as it cooks.

Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Mix in tomato paste, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavor.

A thicker sauce prevents watery ziti after baking.

Step 3. Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine:

• Ricotta

• Mozzarella

• Parmesan

• Egg

• Garlic powder

• Dried basil

• Salt & pepper

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Why this works: The egg binds the cheese mixture, creating a delicious, creamy layer throughout the casserole.

Step 4. Assemble the Baked Ziti

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer in this order:

1. Half of the cooked pasta

2. Half of the meat sauce

3. All of the ricotta mixture (spread gently)

4. Remaining pasta

5. Remaining sauce

Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5. Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melty and bubbling.

For browned, crispy edges on top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Why This Dish Is Satisfying and Balanced

Baked ziti may be comfort food, but it offers several nutritional benefits:

• High protein from beef, ricotta, and mozzarella

• Carbs for energy from pasta

• Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene

• Calcium from cheese supports bone health

Served with a simple salad or roasted vegetables, it becomes a complete, wholesome meal.

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

Baked ziti is incredibly versatile. Try these variations:

Vegetarian Version

• Replace meat with mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or lentils.

Spicy Sausage Ziti

• Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.

Extra-Cheesy Style

• Add provolone or fontina to the cheese topping.

Creamy Ziti

• Add ½ cup heavy cream or ricotta directly into the sauce.

Mediterranean Twist

• Add olives, roasted peppers, or artichokes.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti

This pasta bake pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread

• Caesar salad

• Roasted broccoli

• Mixed greens with balsamic dressing

• Sautéed spinach

• Breadsticks

A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements the richness.

Meal Prep, Storage & Freezing Tips

This dish stores well and reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator

Store covered or in containers for 3–4 days.

Freezer

You can freeze baked or unbaked ziti for up to 2 months.

To reheat frozen ziti, bake covered at 350°F until hot.

Microwave Reheating

Heat in intervals of 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

Use High-Quality Sauce

A good marinara makes a big difference in flavor.

Season Each Layer

Mild pasta needs seasoning—taste your sauce and ricotta mix before adding.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Slightly firm noodles prevent mushiness.

Let It Rest Before Serving

This allows layers to set and enhances texture.

Mix Cheese Varieties

Combining mozzarella with Parmesan and ricotta creates the perfect balance of creamy and melty.

Nutritional Facts (Approx. per Serving)

• Calories: 450–520

• Protein: 27–32g

• Carbohydrates: 45–50g

• Fat: 18–22g

• Fiber: 3–4g

Values vary depending on meat choice and cheese portions.

This dish fits right in with other comforting dinner ideas like Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables, Crock Pot Cheesesteak Tortellini, or Chicken Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan.

Baked Ziti Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Course: dinner

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 1 lb ziti pasta or penne
• Salt for boiling water

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 jar 24–26 oz marinara sauce or homemade sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried basil
• Pinch of salt and pepper

For Topping

• 1 –2 cups mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatul

Method

 

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just under al dente.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Expert Advice: Since the pasta bakes in the oven, undercooking slightly ensures it doesn’t turn mushy.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat. Break into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Mix in tomato paste, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavor.
4. A thicker sauce prevents watery ziti after baking.

Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine:
2. Ricotta
3. Mozzarella
4. Parmesan
5. Egg
6. Garlic powder
7. Dried basil
8. Salt & pepper
9. Mix until smooth and creamy.
10. Why this works: The egg binds the cheese mixture, creating a delicious, creamy layer throughout the casserole.

Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer in this order:
3. Half of the cooked pasta
4. Half of the meat sauce
5. All of the ricotta mixture (spread gently)
6. Remaining pasta
7. Remaining sauce
8. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake to Perfection

1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melty and bubbling.
2. For browned, crispy edges on top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
3. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This baked ziti recipe combines tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese into a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. With simple steps and classic ingredients, you can create a hearty casserole that feels homemade and full of love.

Serve it hot, add your favorite sides, and enjoy a timeless comfort meal that always satisfies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Do I need to cook the ziti fully before baking?

Cook the pasta until just al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce.

3. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes. Baked ziti freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat until warmed through.

4. What cheeses work best in baked ziti?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic choices for rich flavor and great texture.

5. Can I make baked ziti vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.