Baked Ziti is a beloved Italian-American comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknights. Featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, this hearty casserole is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, Baked Ziti delivers bold flavors and a warm, cheesy hug in every bite.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Substitutions
Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini can replace ziti.
Ricotta: Substitute with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamier texture.
Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella substitutes for a vegan version.
Low-carb: Swap ziti with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
How to Make Baked Ziti
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta with egg and half of the Parmesan.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, half the meat sauce, and dollops of ricotta mixture.
Repeat layers and top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Mix-ins
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added vegetables.
Black olives or sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.
A spoonful of pesto between layers for extra flavor depth.
Recipe Tips
Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking while baking.
Let the baked ziti rest before serving to firm up and make slicing easier.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a rich, authentic touch.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.
To freeze, assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour (remove foil for last 20 minutes).
Recipe Variations
Baked Ziti with Alfredo Sauce: Use a mix of marinara and Alfredo for a creamy twist.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers.
Spicy Baked Ziti: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
Meat Lover’s Baked Ziti: Combine sausage, ground beef, and pepperoni for a carnivore-friendly version.
FAQs
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Do I have to boil the pasta first?
Yes, pre-cooking the pasta ensures it doesn’t get mushy or undercooked during baking.
Can I freeze baked ziti after baking?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze. Reheat from frozen or thawed.
What makes baked ziti different from lasagna?
Baked ziti is layered like lasagna but uses tubular pasta instead of flat sheets and typically skips the need for careful layering.
