Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Ziti is a hearty, comforting pasta casserole layered with zesty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish—easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family or a hungry group. With its bubbling cheese and satisfying flavor, it’s a go-to for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

ingredients

Baked Ziti Recipe 10 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ziti pastaolive oiloniongarlicground beef or Italian sausagetomato saucecrushed tomatoesricotta cheeseeggmozzarella cheeseParmesan cheeseItalian seasoningbasilsalt and pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Add minced garlic and ground beef (or sausage), cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, a bit of Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

Layer half the cooked ziti over the sauce, then dollop half the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella, and add more sauce.

Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesResting time: 10 minutesTotal time: 65 minutes

Variations

Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter version.

Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.

Use spicy Italian sausage for added heat.

Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using a veggie-based sauce.

Try different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.For longer storage, freeze baked ziti before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I have to boil the pasta first?

Yes, for best texture. Use al dente pasta to avoid mushiness.

Can I freeze Baked Ziti?

Absolutely, it’s freezer-friendly before or after baking.

What’s the difference between lasagna and baked ziti?

Lasagna uses flat noodles in layers, while ziti is a pasta casserole with similar flavors but a simpler assembly.

Can I use marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, marinara works well if you prefer a smoother, seasoned sauce.

Is ricotta necessary?

Ricotta adds creaminess, but it can be substituted with cottage cheese or omitted for a dairy-free version.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, provolone, fontina, or even cheddar can be added for variety.

How do I prevent it from drying out?

Cover with foil during baking and don’t overbake. Add extra sauce if needed.

Is this good for potlucks?

Definitely—it’s easy to transport and keeps well warm.

Can I add breadcrumbs on top?

Yes, a breadcrumb topping mixed with Parmesan adds a crispy layer.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a potluck, it’s a reliable and delicious option. With easy prep and make-ahead potential, this dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.