Name: Classic Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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A hearty, comforting baked pasta dish loaded with layers of ziti, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese—a perfect crowd-pleasing dinner for any night of the week!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This classic baked ziti combines al dente pasta with savory meat sauce and three kinds of cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience. It's a versatile dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Even picky eaters love this cheesy pasta bake that offers the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. The layered approach creates distinct textures throughout the dish, from the tender pasta to the creamy ricotta and the golden, bubbly mozzarella topping. Best of all, it's simple to prepare ahead of time and feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

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

Ziti pasta is the traditional choice for this dish with its smooth, tubular shape that captures sauce in its hollow center. Penne makes an excellent substitute if you can't find ziti.

Ground beef provides a hearty, savory base for the sauce. You can easily substitute Italian sausage for a more robust flavor profile or use ground turkey for a lighter option.

Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation of any good Italian sauce, adding depth and complexity to the meat sauce.

Marinara sauce saves significant time in this recipe. Store-bought is perfectly acceptable, though homemade will elevate the dish if you have it on hand.

Crushed tomatoes add texture and bright acidity to balance the richness of the cheese layers.

Dried herbs like basil and oregano infuse the sauce with classic Italian flavors without requiring fresh herbs.

Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors. They're optional but highly recommended for depth.

Ricotta cheese creates the creamy middle layer that distinguishes baked ziti from other pasta dishes. Full-fat ricotta provides the best texture and flavor.

Egg helps bind the ricotta mixture together, preventing it from becoming too loose when baked.

Parmesan cheese contributes a sharp, salty note that complements the milder cheeses. Use freshly grated for the best flavor and texture.

Mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible stretchy, gooey top layer that browns beautifully in the oven.

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as an optional garnish.

Directions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the cooked pasta on top. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Add half of the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake the Ziti:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This baked ziti recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners with leftovers or for entertaining guests. The dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 1 hour from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 520 calories, providing a satisfying and hearty meal.

Variations

Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach to the sauce for a hearty vegetarian version.

Chicken Baked Ziti: Substitute 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for the ground beef for a different protein option.

Spicy Baked Ziti: Double the red pepper flakes and add sliced hot cherry peppers to the sauce for heat lovers.

Four Cheese Baked Ziti: Add provolone or fontina to the cheese mixture for an even more indulgent cheesy experience.

Spinach and Mushroom Baked Ziti: Mix 10 ounces of thawed frozen spinach (squeezed dry) and 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms into the ricotta mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

White Baked Ziti: Replace the tomato sauce with a creamy béchamel sauce seasoned with nutmeg for an elegant alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerating: Allow leftover baked ziti to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Baked ziti freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze the entire assembled dish before baking (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil) for up to 3 months, or freeze individual portions of baked ziti in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating from refrigerated: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible. If reheating a whole frozen unbaked ziti, bake covered at 375°F for about 1 hour, then uncovered for 15-20 minutes. For pre-baked frozen portions, reheat covered at 350°F until heated through (about 30-45 minutes).

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Is it necessary to cook the pasta before assembling the dish?

Yes, the pasta should be cooked to al dente before assembling. This ensures the pasta doesn't absorb too much liquid from the sauce during baking, which could result in a dry dish.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta in a 1:1 ratio. For a smoother texture similar to ricotta, pulse the cottage cheese in a food processor a few times before using.

Why is my baked ziti dry?

Dry baked ziti is usually the result of overcooking the pasta before baking or not using enough sauce. Cook your pasta just shy of al dente and make sure there's plenty of sauce coating all the pasta layers.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti gives this dish its name, any medium tubular pasta works well, including penne, rigatoni, or even medium shells.

What can I serve with baked ziti?

Baked ziti pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or sautéed greens like broccoli rabe or spinach.

Why should I let the baked ziti rest before serving?

Allowing the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions rather than having the layers slide apart.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I tell when the baked ziti is done?

The baked ziti is done when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly at the edges, and the entire dish is heated through.

Can I reduce the amount of cheese to make it healthier?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat ricotta. However, keep in mind that the cheese provides much of the flavor and creamy texture that makes baked ziti so beloved.

Conclusion

Classic baked ziti stands the test of time as a beloved comfort food for good reason. With its layers of tender pasta, robust meat sauce, and creamy, melted cheese, it satisfies on every level. Whether you're feeding a family on a busy weeknight, preparing for guests, or simply craving a hearty, homemade meal, this baked ziti delivers consistent results with minimal fuss. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its fantastic flavor but also in its flexibility—it can be prepared ahead, customized with your favorite ingredients, and reheated beautifully for days after. Master this classic Italian-American casserole, and you'll have a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe in your repertoire for years to come.