Baked ziti is one of those heartwarming comfort foods that feels like a hug in a casserole dish. It’s a classic Italian-American favorite that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and gatherings. This dish is all about layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and savory meat, baked until bubbly and golden. It’s satisfying, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a dish to share, baked ziti is a go-to that never disappoints. It’s also versatile—you can tweak it based on what you have on hand or make it vegetarian if you prefer.
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the baked ziti cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s a hearty, cheesy, saucy dish that’s ideal for potlucks, holiday tables, or just a comforting meal at home.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s low-effort, high-reward. It combines the flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles. It’s perfect for prepping ahead, customizable with different meats or vegetables, and always hits the spot. Plus, there’s nothing like digging into a cheesy, oven-baked pasta dish straight from the casserole.
You’ll need a large pot, a colander, a mixing bowl, a 9×13-inch baking dish, a wooden spoon, and a skillet or sauté pan for cooking the meat.
Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy during baking. Use a good quality pasta sauce or homemade if you have time. Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes after baking so it sets and serves more neatly.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg and half the Parmesan.
In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then add half the cooked pasta. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, sprinkle with mozzarella, and repeat layers, ending with sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest before serving.
You can swap the ground meat for turkey, leave it out for a vegetarian version, or add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies. Try mixing in a bit of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or layering with béchamel sauce for a richer dish.