Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect blend of pasta, cheese, and a hearty tomato-based sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s a family favorite that pleases crowds and is easy to make ahead of time. This version will give you a classic Italian dish with simple ingredients, but it’s bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe

Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead: Prepare it ahead of time and bake when you’re ready.
Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding ground beef, sausage, or extra veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb Ziti pasta – You can substitute with penne or rigatoni.
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage – Adds a delicious meaty element.
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Choose your favorite brand or make your own.
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese – Creamy and rich.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Essential for that gooey, cheesy topping.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, salty kick.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts the flavor with a savory aroma.
1 small onion, diced – For added depth of flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs for Italian dishes.
Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds a fresh touch of greenery.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente—about 9-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil, and once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Next, add your ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon or spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat and stir until well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat while you prepare the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large baking dish (9×13 inches works best), start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking and adds extra flavor to every bite.

Next, add half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture. Spread it out as evenly as possible. Then, add half of the remaining meat sauce on top.

Repeat the layers with the rest of the pasta, the ricotta mixture, and the meat sauce. Make sure to finish with a generous layer of the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

If you love a crispy cheese layer, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once your baked ziti is perfectly golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

For a fresh finish, garnish with chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ricotta, mozzarella, and high-quality marinara sauce make a huge difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to only cook it to al dente.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Giving the dish 10 minutes to rest before serving allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble this dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Customizing Your Baked Ziti

While this recipe is for a classic baked ziti, there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or even sprinkle in some provolone.
Meat Lovers: Double the amount of ground beef or add a mix of sausage and beef for a heartier dish.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven until heated through.

Freezer:

To freeze baked ziti, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about an hour, or until it’s hot and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Baked Ziti recipe is easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, with its make-ahead convenience and freezer-friendly nature, you’ll always have a satisfying meal ready to go.

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this cheesy, savory baked ziti—guaranteed to make every bite worth savoring!