Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a warm, cheesy pan of baked ziti. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always a crowd favorite.
Layers of pasta, savory sauce, and gooey cheese come together in the oven to create the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy Sunday evening at home.
This recipe is simple to put together, but the end result tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. The best part?
It can be prepped ahead of time and baked when you’re ready, making it a go-to dish for busy nights or entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite – A dish everyone looks forward to at the table.
- Cheesy and Comforting – Gooey layers of cheese baked to perfection.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when you’re ready.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Mix the Ricotta Layer – In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Ziti – Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Add half of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. Leftovers also reheat wonderfully, making this a perfect dish for meal prep.
If you love cozy pasta dinners like this baked ziti, be sure to check out some of my other comforting family meals, like this creamy chicken pasta recipe, my easy weeknight chili recipe, and how to make homemade pizza dough from scratch.
They’re all simple, delicious dishes that bring everyone to the table.
Baked ziti is one of those timeless comfort meals that never disappoints. It’s cozy, satisfying, and feels like a hug in a pan.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just want something delicious for the week ahead, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Baked Ziti
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a warm, cheesy pan of baked ziti. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Mix the Ricotta Layer – In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Ziti – Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Add half of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
