The Best Baked Ziti Recipe

Let’s be honest—life’s too short for boring pasta. If you’re looking for something cheesy, saucy, and downright comforting, this baked ziti recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta smothered in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, layered with gooey cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. Hungry yet? Trust me, this is the kind of dinner that’ll have your family scraping their plates and begging for seconds.

Want to try more cheesy, comforting recipes? Check out our Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas for a Tex-Mex twist on comfort food!

What Makes This Baked Ziti Recipe Special

What’s so magical about this baked ziti recipe? Well, for starters, it’s ridiculously easy. We’re talking about a one-dish wonder that tastes like you’ve been slaving over the stove all day (spoiler: you haven’t).

Plus, it’s versatile! Want something lighter? Go for baked ziti with cottage cheese instead of ricotta. Prefer a meaty twist? Add some ground beef or sausage. It’s like the choose-your-own-adventure of pasta dishes, and you really can’t go wrong.

Looking for more comforting pasta dishes? You’ll love our Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy masterpiece:

Pasta:

• 1 pound ziti (or penne if that’s what you have)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage if you’re feeling fancy)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (go ahead, use the good stuff)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For Assembly:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that golden, bubbly topping)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Pair your pasta with another reader favorite: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Recipe for a deliciously tender main dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil your ziti in salted water until it’s just shy of al dente (trust me, it’ll keep cooking in the oven). Drain it, toss it with a little olive oil, and set it aside.

2. Make the Sauce:
   In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain the grease (nobody wants oily ziti). Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes and enjoy the mouthwatering smell of Italian magic.

1. Mix the Cheese Filling:
   In a bowl, mix ricotta (or cottage cheese), mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and dried basil. Taste it—you’re welcome.

2. Assemble the Ziti:
   Grab a greased baking dish. Start with a layer of sauce, then half the pasta, half the cheese mixture, and repeat. Finish with sauce on top and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.

3. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

1. Serve:
   Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before diving in (I know, it’s hard). Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling extra.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it a little firm—it’ll soak up all that sauce in the oven.
• Customize Your Cheese: Want creamier ziti? Go for baked ziti with cottage cheese. Feeling extra cheesy? Add an extra layer of mozzarella.
• Sneak in Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a sneaky healthy twist.
• Make It Meaty: Baked ziti with ground beef or sausage adds extra flavor and heartiness.

Looking for more chicken recipes to pair with this? Try our Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a bold and zesty twist.

What to Serve With Baked Ziti Recipe

Wondering what goes well with this carb-loaded masterpiece? Try these:

• Garlic Bread: Because more carbs = more happiness.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing side that cuts through the richness.
• Roasted Veggies: Balance all that cheese with something green.

Need a quick and flavorful side? Don’t miss our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Mushrooms, perfect for any meal.

Storage and Leftovers

Made too much? Lucky you!

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and gooey again.
• Freezer: Assemble the ziti but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding about 15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Leftover baked ziti recipe is almost better the next day (if it lasts that long).

Similar Recipes to Try

Love baked ziti? You’ll adore these:

• Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas: A cheesy, comforting twist on a Mexican favorite.
• Chicken Alfredo Bake: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-indulgent.
• Easy Stuffed Shells: A pasta lover’s dream come true.
• Simple Italian Bruschetta: The perfect appetizer for pasta night.

Baked Ziti Recipe

This baked ziti recipe is cheesy, hearty, and comforting, with layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it’s a dish everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Sauce:
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Cheese Layer:
• 1 cup ricotta cheese or substitute cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• For Assembly:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
• Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just shy of al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and dried basil. Mix until smooth.
• Assemble the Ziti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of sauce. Add half the pasta, then half the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, ending with sauce on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

• Make It Healthier: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
• Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the ziti but don’t bake. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Keyword Baked Ziti Recipe

This baked ziti recipe is your ticket to cheesy, saucy happiness. Whether you make it for a family dinner, potluck, or just because you’re craving comfort food, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.

Have your own twist on baked ziti? Share your tips or photos in the comments—I’d love to see them! And don’t forget to save this recipe for those nights when you need something easy, delicious, and downright comforting.