There's nothing quite like a warm, bubbling dish of baked ziti straight from the oven. With its layers of tender pasta, creamy cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this recipe is a comforting classic that never fails to impress. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
I first made this baked ziti for a family gathering, hoping to find a dish that everyone would love—and it didn’t disappoint! Now, it’s my go-to whenever I need a hearty, satisfying meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.
Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate baked pasta dish. This baked ziti is packed with flavor, incredibly simple to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
First, it’s all about the layers. The creamy ricotta mixture melts into the ziti, while the savory tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella create a perfectly balanced bite every time. It’s like a hug in a casserole dish!
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also a time-saver. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What sets this recipe apart is its flexibility. Whether you're serving vegetarians, meat lovers, or picky eaters, the ingredients can easily be adjusted to suit everyone’s taste.
Finally, leftovers are a dream. This baked ziti reheats beautifully, giving you a quick and satisfying meal the next day—if there’s any left, that is!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this baked ziti lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and comforting dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is important.
Ziti pasta is the star of this recipe. Its tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes.
Ground beef adds heartiness and a savory depth to the dish. For a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey are excellent alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
The tomato sauce forms the base of the dish. Look for a high-quality, store-bought marinara, or make your own for an extra special touch. Adding a pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Ricotta cheese is key to the creamy layers. Mix it with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan for a blend that melts beautifully and adds richness.
Speaking of mozzarella cheese, don’t skimp! Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt. It creates that irresistible cheesy layer on top.
Herbs and spices like garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil elevate the flavor profile. A little red chili flakes add a subtle kick if you like some heat.
You’ll also need a large baking dish to assemble the ziti and bring it all together in the oven.
How To Make This Baked Ziti

Making baked ziti is as simple as layering your ingredients and letting the oven do the rest. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this comforting dish.
Start by cooking the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it just shy of al dente since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and an egg. Mix well and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Now, it’s time to assemble. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This baked ziti comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings or last-minute dinner plans.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this baked ziti stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.
For short-term storage, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, baked ziti is freezer-friendly. Wrap it in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
To reheat a single serving, the microwave works well. Heat on medium power to ensure even warming and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this baked ziti is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dish, use a spicy marinara sauce or add red chili flakes to the meat sauce.
Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option. It still provides creaminess while reducing the calorie count.
Experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar can bring a new dimension to the dish.
Feeling adventurous? Add cooked, shredded chicken or turkey for a protein-packed twist on the classic recipe.
Baked ziti is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. This is a dish designed to bring people together, no matter how you serve it. Enjoy!
PrintBest Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
This best baked ziti recipe is loaded with layers of ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. A classic, crowd-pleasing dish ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef or chicken and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with diced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
Leave a Reply