There’s nothing like a bubbling, cheesy baked ziti fresh from the oven. It’s the ultimate comfort food—rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and golden, melty cheese wrapped around tender pasta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy night in, this dish never disappoints. Trust me, after making this once, it’ll become a permanent part of your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked ziti is everything a great pasta bake should be—deliciously saucy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
- Perfect for a Crowd: Feeds a crowd and makes for great leftovers.
- Customizable: Add veggies, sausage, or extra cheese to make it your own.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pro Tips
- For extra creaminess, mix a bit of heavy cream into the sauce.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add ground beef or sausage, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stir with the meat, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the cheese: In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the ziti: Spread a layer of sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the pasta, spread the ricotta mixture over it, then layer with more sauce and pasta.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake and serve: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue cooking in the oven.
- Balance the flavors: If your sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the meat for mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Use a deep baking dish: Helps contain all that saucy goodness!
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add protein: Try shredded rotisserie chicken or even turkey sausage.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Extra cheesy: Layer in fresh mozzarella for gooey bites.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic bread and a simple side salad.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Add a splash of water or marinara to keep it from drying out.
Recipe Card
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook garlic, then add ground meat and seasonings. Cook until browned and drain excess fat.
- Stir marinara sauce into the meat mixture and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Layer sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, and more sauce in baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let sit for 5 minutes and serve warm.
There you have it—cheesy, saucy perfection in every bite! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. And don’t forget to share your delicious creation on Instagram and tag me—nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen magic! 🍝✨
