This Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, family dinners, and weekend gatherings. Tender pasta is tossed with rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella, then baked until bubbling and golden.
This easy Italian-inspired casserole is hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It has all the comforting flavors of lasagna without requiring you to layer every ingredient individually. Simply cook the pasta, prepare the meat sauce, combine the ingredients, and bake everything together in one casserole dish.
Whether you’re searching for an easy family dinner, a make-ahead pasta recipe, or a budget-friendly meal for a crowd, this baked ziti recipe is a delicious option.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect comfort food for the whole family
- Cheesy, creamy, and flavorful
- Great for weeknight dinners
- Excellent make-ahead meal
- Freezer friendly
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Delicious leftover for lunch the next day
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt, for the pasta water
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
How to Make Baked Ziti
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
2. Cook the Ziti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ziti and cook according to the package directions, but stop cooking about 2 minutes before the recommended time.
The pasta should be slightly firm because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns.
Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary.
4. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
5. Make the Meat Sauce
Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The short simmer allows the flavors to blend and gives the sauce a richer taste.
6. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in a bowl.
Stir until smooth and well combined.
The egg helps the cheese mixture set slightly as the casserole bakes.
7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Place the cooked ziti in a large mixing bowl.
Add approximately two-thirds of the meat sauce and gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Be careful not to break the pasta while mixing.
8. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Spread about 1 cup of the remaining meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add half of the sauced pasta.
Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it gently.
Sprinkle with about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Add the remaining pasta and spread it evenly.
Top with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture.
Finish with the remaining mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
For an extra-browned cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
10. Rest Before Serving
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
This gives the cheese and sauce time to settle and makes the casserole easier to portion.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly undercooked pasta holds its texture much better after baking.
Use whole-milk ricotta. It creates a richer and creamier cheese layer.
Grate your own mozzarella. Freshly shredded cheese tends to melt more smoothly and gives you a better cheesy topping.
Don’t skip the resting time. Cutting into the casserole immediately can cause the layers to spread. A short rest makes serving much easier.
Season every component. The pasta water, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture should all be properly seasoned for the best overall flavor.
Cover first, then uncover. Baking covered helps heat the casserole without drying it out, while the final uncovered baking time creates the golden cheese topping.
Easy Baked Ziti Variations
Sausage Baked Ziti
Replace half or all of the ground beef with Italian sausage. Mild or spicy sausage both work well.
Three-Cheese Baked Ziti
Add 1 cup of shredded provolone or fontina along with the mozzarella for an extra-rich cheese combination.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, or chopped broccoli.
Creamy Baked Ziti
Stir 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the marinara sauce for a richer, creamier casserole.
Spicy Baked Ziti
Increase the red pepper flakes or add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed chili flakes to the meat sauce.
Chicken Baked Ziti
Replace the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken for a different protein option.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti
Because baked ziti is rich and filling, simple side dishes work best.
Try serving it with:
- Garlic bread
- Cheesy garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Italian green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic knots
- Sautéed spinach
A crisp green salad and warm garlic bread make an especially easy family dinner combination.
Can You Make Baked Ziti Ahead?
Absolutely. Baked ziti is an excellent make-ahead dinner recipe.
Assemble the casserole completely, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
Because the casserole starts cold, you may need to add approximately 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time.
This makes baked ziti particularly convenient for busy weeknights, holidays, and family gatherings.
How to Freeze Baked Ziti
Baked ziti freezes very well.
For best results, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish but do not bake it.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Remove the plastic wrap and bake covered at 375°F until heated through, then uncover and continue baking until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
You can also freeze individual cooked portions for convenient lunches.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover baked ziti to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place larger portions in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Adding a tablespoon of marinara sauce before reheating can help keep the pasta moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, and other short pasta shapes can be substituted for ziti.
Can I make baked ziti without ricotta?
Yes. You can replace the ricotta with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or additional mozzarella. Cottage cheese is a popular alternative if you prefer a lighter texture.
Why is my baked ziti watery?
Excess moisture can come from watery sauce, undrained vegetables, or overcooked pasta. Drain the pasta well and use a thick marinara sauce for the best results.
Should I cover baked ziti while baking?
Yes. Covering it during the first part of baking helps prevent the cheese and pasta from drying out. Removing the foil toward the end allows the cheese to brown.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely. A good-quality jarred marinara sauce makes this recipe quick and convenient. You can also use homemade tomato sauce if you have some available.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ziti is the kind of hearty comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella come together in a bubbling casserole that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a family gathering.
It’s also one of those recipes that tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Make it ahead, freeze it for later, or prepare a large pan for a crowd.
If you’re looking for an easy Italian dinner, a cheesy pasta casserole, or a satisfying make-ahead family meal, this baked ziti recipe is a delicious addition to your recipe collection.
