Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. Made with pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese, it’s a no-fuss dish perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ziti pasta
olive oil
onion
garlic
ground beef or Italian sausage
marinara sauce
ricotta cheese
egg
mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the ziti pasta 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. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute.

Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg and half of the Parmesan cheese.

In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, then half of the ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

Variations

Use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti.
Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Swap the ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.
Try a spicy marinara or add red pepper flakes for heat.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and doubling the veggies.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Baked ziti can also be frozen before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use jarred sauce?
Absolutely—choose your favorite marinara or pasta sauce for convenience.

Do I have to use ricotta?
No, cottage cheese or a ricotta blend can work too.

Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze before baking for best results.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook it al dente and don’t overbake the casserole.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your sauce and cheeses are certified gluten-free.

Can I use only mozzarella?
You can, but combining cheeses adds more flavor and texture.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two dishes and adjust baking time as needed.

What sides go with baked ziti?
Garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy, tomatoey flavors are usually a big hit with kids.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Ziti is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make and loaded with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a big family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this classic comfort food delivers every time.

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