Baked ziti is one of those timeless comfort food recipes that never goes out of style. With tender pasta baked in a rich tomato sauce and layered with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, this classic Italian-American dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, baked ziti is always a reliable, satisfying choice.
What makes this easy baked ziti recipe so popular is its versatility. You can keep it simple with just cheese and marinara or add ground beef or Italian sausage for extra heartiness. It’s also a great way to customize dinner using what you already have on hand—swap in vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or boost the cheese to suit your taste.
This cheesy baked ziti is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and family gatherings. It can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the fridge or freezer, and baked when you’re ready to eat. The result is a bubbly, golden casserole that feels homemade and comforting every single time.
If you’re looking for an easy pasta bake that delivers restaurant-quality results at home, this baked ziti recipe is it. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless variations, it’s a go-to dinner that belongs in every home cook’s recipe collection.
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Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic made with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ziti pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown meat if using; drain excess fat. Stir in marinara and Italian seasoning; simmer 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Combine cooked pasta with sauce. Spread half into the baking dish.
Dollop ricotta mixture over pasta and sprinkle with ¾ cup mozzarella.
Add remaining pasta and top with remaining mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
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Let baked ziti rest before serving to help it set cleanly.
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Use whole-milk ricotta for a creamier texture.
Variations
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Vegetarian: Skip meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
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Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or fontina for deeper flavor.
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Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
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Make-Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
