Easy Family-Favorite Baked Ziti Recipe That’s Pure Comfort

Crafting a mouthwatering easy baked ziti recipe will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen bursting with comfort.

Pasta lovers crave this classic dish that combines rich layers of cheese and hearty sauce.

Creamy ricotta melts perfectly between tender noodles and robust marinara.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that comes together quickly yet tastes like a labor of love.

Cheesy goodness awaits with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Grab a fork and let this zesty, cheesy masterpiece become your new go-to dinner solution.

What Pairs Well with Baked Ziti

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the ziti and cuts through the creamy cheese.
• Crisp Caesar Salad Companion: Create a zesty side salad with romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing to balance the hearty pasta dish and provide a fresh contrast.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with crispy edges and soft center to soak up extra marinara sauce and add delightful texture alongside the baked ziti.
• Rustic Italian Appetizer: Serve bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil as a light starter that echoes the Italian flavors and prepares the palate for the main course.

Ziti Styles and Ideas

• Vegetarian Ziti Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Ziti Option: Substitute regular ziti pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Ziti: Swap traditional pasta with roasted cauliflower florets to create a low-carb alternative that's packed with nutrients and keeps the classic cheesy essence.
• Spicy Mediterranean Ziti: Add red pepper flakes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the recipe into a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish with bold, tangy notes.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other similar pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli. Just ensure the pasta is similar in size and shape to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.

• Can I prepare Baked Ziti in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• How can I make the dish less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, use mild Italian sausage or ground beef, and go easy on black pepper. You can also choose a plain marinara sauce instead of a spicy version to control the heat level.

What Makes Easy Baked Ziti Recipe Stand Out

• Dive into a crowd-pleasing pasta dish that brings everyone together with minimal fuss.
• Build delicious ziti with simple step-by-step layering that even beginner cooks can master perfectly.
• Swap ground beef for sausage, adjust cheese types, or add extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences.
• Create a hearty, filling dinner that works brilliantly for casual gatherings, potlucks, or satisfying weeknight meals.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Ziti

• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Rich, flavorful meat base for the dish.

• Ziti Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for baked casseroles.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and soft cheese that adds richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that brings moisture and flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide foundational savory and aromatic notes.

• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Traditional Italian herbs that enhance overall flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents sticking and adds subtle richness.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps control moisture and prevent excessive browning.

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds fresh herbal brightness and visual appeal.

How to Cook Baked Ziti

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook ziti pasta until just shy of fully done.

Drain and set aside – pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Transform the Meat

In a hefty skillet, brown ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat.

If using sausage, strip away the casings before cooking.

Drain away extra grease.

Step 4: Wake Up the Flavors

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the meat.

Sauté until onions turn soft and glassy.

Step 5: Spice and Sauce the Mixture

• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet.

Let it bubble and blend for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

Whisk ricotta cheese with a beaten egg until smooth and combined.

Step 7: Build First Layer

• Half the cooked ziti
• Half the ricotta mixture
• Half the meat sauce
• Sprinkle of mozzarella
• Handful of Parmesan

Step 8: Stack the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients.

Step 9: Crown with Cheese

Top with an extra blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake 25-30 minutes.

Remove foil, continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Serve and Celebrate

Let ziti rest briefly.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Dive in and enjoy!

Helpful Baked Ziti Tips

• Slightly undercook ziti pasta to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture when the dish is finished.
• Remove excess fat from browned meat to keep the baked ziti from becoming greasy and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.
• Mix beaten egg with ricotta cheese to create a smoother, more cohesive cheese layer that holds together beautifully when baked.
• Layer cheeses evenly throughout the dish to guarantee every bite has a rich, melty cheese experience with balanced flavors.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil initially to prevent cheese from burning, then uncover to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust.

Storing and Reheating Baked Ziti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer ziti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ziti in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Uncover last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting ziti pasta bakes with layers of rich marinara, melted cheeses, and hearty ground beef. Creamy, cheesy goodness brings Italian-American comfort to your dinner table, promising smiles and satisfied hunger in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)

Pasta and Dairy:

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
• 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese
• 3 cups (340g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (beaten)

Aromatics, Herbs, and Seasonings:

• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 jars (24-26 ounces each) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing with cooking spray, then set oven temperature to 375°F for optimal cooking.
2. Cook ziti pasta until slightly underdone, ensuring it will continue to soften during baking. Drain and reserve.
3. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown ground meat over medium heat, removing any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
4. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
5. Enhance the meat mixture with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, then introduce marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
6. Create a creamy binding agent by whisking ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, which will help stabilize the cheese layer.
7. Construct the first pasta layer in the baking dish, spreading half the ziti, followed by an even distribution of ricotta mixture and meat sauce.
8. Generously sprinkle a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the initial layer to ensure maximum cheesy coverage.
9. Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta, ricotta, meat sauce, and an additional generous cheese topping.
10. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, bake for 25-30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
11. Rest the baked ziti for several minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.

Notes

• Choose short, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne as alternatives to ziti for similar texture and sauce-holding capabilities.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian versions without compromising flavor.
• Mix different cheeses like fontina or provolone with mozzarella to create unique, richer flavor profiles that elevate the dish.
• Drain ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth beforehand to prevent excess liquid and ensure a creamier, more cohesive baked ziti texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg