If you’re craving comfort food that’s cozy, cheesy, and guaranteed to please a crowd, this baked ziti recipe is your answer. Packed with rich meat sauce, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, baked ziti delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Originally inspired by Italian-American cuisine, baked ziti combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti into one casserole-style masterpiece. It’s no wonder this dish is trending again — it’s timeless, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry already.
- Beginner-Friendly: No complicated steps — just layer, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Freezes and reheats like a dream.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love it.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for vegetarian or spicy versions.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Baked Ziti Recipe
Here are the key players that make this baked ziti recipe irresistible:
- Ziti or Rigatoni Pasta – Holds sauce beautifully and keeps its shape when baked.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage – Adds savory depth and hearty texture.
- Marinara Sauce – The rich tomato base that ties everything together.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into a golden, bubbly top layer.
- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese – Creates creamy layers throughout.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – Adds brightness and a fresh pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
- Cook the Pasta
Boil ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. - Layer the Ingredients
In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce, then pasta, dollops of ricotta, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers and end with a generous topping of cheese. - Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. - Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving for extra freshness and color.
💡 Expert Tip: For even more flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the top before baking.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian twist: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta without sacrificing taste.
- Extra cheesy: Mix in provolone or fontina for a deeper cheese flavor.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- To Reheat: Bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy hearty, cheesy pasta bakes like this baked ziti recipe, here are a few other comforting dishes that are sure to hit the spot:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Easy Restaurant-Quality Recipe
A creamy, garlicky chicken pasta that’s as good as takeout (but better). - Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta
Perfectly seasoned ground beef meets rich Parmesan in this easy spaghetti dish. - Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
Tender chicken and a dreamy ricotta Alfredo sauce make this a weeknight winner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti is layered like lasagna but uses pasta instead of lasagna sheets, making it quicker and easier to assemble.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is classic, feel free to use a mix of your favorite melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
Is ricotta necessary?
Not at all. You can substitute it with cottage cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
This baked ziti recipe is the kind of soul-warming, cheesy meal that makes any night feel special. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Baked Ziti Recipe – Easy & Cheesy Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti or rigatoni pasta cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef or sausage. Drain fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a greased baking dish, layer meat sauce, pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.