Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a hearty, cheesy pasta bake that I love making when I want something warm, filling, and family-friendly. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish brings all the comfort of lasagna—without the extra effort. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights, casual gatherings, or weekend meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how baked ziti is both easy and satisfying. It’s made with simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and feeds a crowd. The flavors get even better as it bakes, and the top layer of bubbling, golden cheese is hard to resist. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and super adaptable, making it a favorite go-to in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ziti pasta

• Ground beef or Italian sausage

• Olive oil

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Marinara or pasta sauce

• Tomato paste (optional for richness)

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper

• Ricotta cheese

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. I boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

3. While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chopped onion until soft. I add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, then stir in the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. I drain any excess fat.

4. I stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.

5. In a large bowl, I combine the cooked ziti with about half the meat sauce and a portion of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6. I spread half the ziti mixture into the baking dish, dollop with ricotta, and add a layer of the remaining meat sauce. I top with the rest of the ziti, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

7. I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then I remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings and takes around 1 hour total—20 minutes to prep, 30–35 minutes to bake, and 5–10 minutes to rest before serving.

Variations

I sometimes mix spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the meat sauce for added veggies. For a spicier version, I use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. If I’m short on time, I skip the ricotta and just go with mozzarella and Parmesan—it’s still delicious.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover and bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave single servings. Baked ziti also freezes well—before or after baking. I wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti without meat?

Yes, I often make a vegetarian version using just the sauce and cheese or add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach instead of meat.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. I add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni work just as well. I use any short, sturdy pasta that holds the sauce.

Do I need to cook the pasta all the way?

No, I cook it just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, I’ve swapped in cottage cheese before—it works well and adds extra protein.

Conclusion

Baked ziti is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish I love to make over and over again. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, yet so simple to throw together. Whether I’m feeding a big family, prepping meals for the week, or just want something cozy for dinner, this baked ziti always hits the spot.