If you are craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting, this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked ziti noodles layered with a rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling melted mozzarella and Parmesan—a harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a homemade hug. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks but a make-ahead miracle for those busy nights when you want a hearty meal without the fuss. This dish delivers all the soul of classic Italian comfort food with a simplicity that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delightful casserole. Each component in this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe plays an essential role—whether it’s the creamy ricotta adding richness, the zesty marinara bringing brightness, or the mozzarella that melts into a golden, gooey topping. Don’t overlook the fresh parsley at the end, which adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The star noodle that holds all those delicious layers together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides hearty, savory richness essential to the sauce.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and essential aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with warm, fragrant flavor.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: A tangy tomato foundation that keeps this dish classic and comforting.
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Adds texture and fresh acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings an herbaceous Mediterranean flair.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, harmonizing each ingredient.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and smooth, it gives tenderness to the layers.
- 1 egg: Binds the ricotta filling for perfect sliceable pieces.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: The cheesy glue that melts and bubbles on top.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes and a perfect finishing touch.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Fresh and vibrant, it brightens every bite.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your ziti in plenty of salted boiling water. Cooking it just until al dente ensures the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite to hold up well in the baking process. Drain and set aside so they’re ready to assemble into the layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until gloriously browned. This caramelization adds deep flavor. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant—that lovely aroma is the heart of the sauce. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld all those flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
While your sauce simmers, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the shredded mozzarella in a bowl. The egg helps the ricotta hold its shape during baking, while the mozzarella folds in extra cheesiness and richness. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 4: Layer Your Baked Ziti
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking. To build your casserole, start with a layer of meat sauce, then half of the cooked pasta, followed by half the ricotta mixture. Repeat these layers once more to create a luscious, multi-layered dish. Top everything with the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and the Parmesan over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to start melting. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Let your baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping—it helps those layers set for perfect portions.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
The easiest way to elevate your baked ziti at the table is with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley. Its bright herbaceous flavor cuts through the richness and adds a fresh pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. For an extra touch, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add subtle complexity.
Side Dishes
This hearty quesadilla can stand alone but pairs wonderfully with green, crisp salads or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A simple Caesar salad or garlicky roasted Brussels sprouts can balance the richness. For bread lovers, some warm garlic bread or crunchy bruschetta is always a crowd-pleaser alongside the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins instead of one big dish, giving each person their own cheesy, bubbly portion. Alternatively, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed red pepper on top before baking for a crunchy twist. Leftovers can be scooped into pita pockets or turned into hearty sandwiches for an inventive lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Baked Ziti Recipe leftovers will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them tightly covered in an airtight container to maintain flavor and moisture. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through and bubbly again.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a dream, making it fantastic for meal prep or saving for a future dinner. Assemble your baked ziti but hold off on baking—wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty, about 20 minutes. You can cover with foil to prevent drying out, uncover in the last few minutes to refresh the bubbly topping. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may yield softer noodles.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes because their tubular shapes catch sauce and cheese just as well as ziti.
Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead dinners?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I prevent the baked ziti from drying out?
Covering the casserole tightly with foil during most of the baking time locks in moisture. Also, make sure your sauce is nicely saucy to keep the noodles hydrated.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, using cottage cheese lightens the dish a bit and still provides creamy texture, perfect if you want a slightly lower-fat option.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about an Easy Baked Ziti Recipe shared around a table with loved ones, and I encourage you to make this classic dish your own. It’s simple enough for weeknights, impressive for guests, and infinitely adaptable to your tastes. Once you try this cheesy, saucy, baked wonder, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection—so gather your ingredients and get baking! You’re in for such a treat.
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Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This easy baked ziti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta casserole layered with tender noodles, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, and it delivers all the flavor of lasagna with half the effort.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Drain it well and set aside for layering.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. Then add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta on top, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, then top with the remaining sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use cottage cheese as a lighter substitute for ricotta cheese.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Baked ziti can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer before baking to save time on busy days.
