Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian-American casserole that layers tender pasta with savory marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It’s simple to prepare, perfect for weeknights or gatherings, and delivers rich flavor in every cheesy bite. A classic favorite that’s hearty, filling, and endlessly satisfying.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ziti pasta
ricotta cheese
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
egg
marinara or pasta sauce
olive oil
garlic
onion
salt
black pepper
dried Italian seasoning
fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti 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 garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
Add marinara sauce to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
Add cooked ziti to the sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of sauce-coated pasta, then dollop the ricotta mixture over it. Repeat layers and finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or ground turkey for a meat version.
Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
Include sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Try different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze baked ziti in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
No, you can substitute with cottage cheese or a cheese blend.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. It freezes well for up to 2 months.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti is layered and baked like lasagna but uses pasta instead of flat noodles and is generally quicker to prepare.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the meat and use vegetable-based sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Cover and bake in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, a good quality marinara works perfectly.
Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sauce and cheeses are gluten-free.
How can I prevent it from drying out?
Cover with foil during most of the baking time and don’t overbake.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, feel free to add more mozzarella or a cheese blend for extra gooeyness.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Ziti is a beloved classic that combines cheesy comfort with simple preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a make-ahead meal, this dish is sure to satisfy. Customize it to your taste and enjoy a warm, hearty serving of baked goodness every time.
Print
Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish / Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian‑American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A simple, crowd‑pleasing baked ziti featuring tender pasta, rich tomato‑meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 min.
- Add garlic and cook 1 min until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 min. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Simmer 5–7 min.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are lightly browned.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
Notes
- Make‑ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance; bake before serving.
- Vegetarian option: Omit meat and add sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach.
- Freezer‑friendly: Bake then freeze in portions; reheat at 350 °F until hot.
- Use gluten‑free pasta and ensure sauce is gluten‑free for a gluten‑free version.
- For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.