Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Picture this: layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and oozy mozzarella, all baked together until golden and bubbling. That’s exactly what you get with this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe—a family favorite that never disappoints! It’s pure comfort in a casserole dish, pulling together simple pantry staples into a dreamy, utterly satisfying meal that always has people reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck offering, this easy baked ziti recipe makes dinnertime feel extra special, no fancy chef skills required.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is that every ingredient pulls its weight, adding something delicious—think heartiness, creamy richness, a pop of color, or savory flavor. Gather these kitchen staples and you’ll be on your way to pasta-bake heaven in no time.

  • Ziti pasta: Holds up beautifully in the oven and soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to sautéed veggies and keeps things from sticking.
  • Yellow onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and extra savory depth to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Essential for that classic, irresistible Italian aroma.
  • Ground beef or Italian sausage: Makes the dish hearty and delicious—choose your favorite or mix both!
  • Italian seasoning: A shortcut to that classic herby flavor everyone loves in pasta bakes.
  • Salt: Wake up all the flavors with just the right amount.
  • Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
  • Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade for the tastiest results.
  • Water: Thins the sauce just enough so it melds perfectly with the pasta.
  • Ricotta cheese: Creamy and dreamy, it adds luxurious richness.
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded: The melty star—don’t skimp!
  • Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds salty, nutty tang for finishing flavor.
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Brings a vibrant, fresh-from-the-garden touch to your final dish.

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a big pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook your ziti until it’s just shy of perfectly tender—al dente is your friend here, so the noodles hold up after baking. Drain well and set aside while you work your magic on the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until everything smells amazing and the onions are soft but not browned. This little step packs in loads of savory flavor right at the start.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add your ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, using a spoon to crumble it as it cooks. Sizzle away until it’s fully browned with no pink spots left. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These little bits infuse the meat with even more flavor and make it totally irresistible.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in your marinara sauce and half a cup of water, giving everything a good stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly. This part sets the stage for saucy, comforting baked pasta perfection.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Grab a large bowl and combine the cooked ziti, rich meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Stir gently until all the pasta is thoroughly coated—cheese in every bite is the goal!

Step 6: Layer and Top

Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle on half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for that cheesy melt factor. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Layers equal more fun and extra cheesiness in every forkful.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and seriously bubbly, with irresistible golden spots. Let the dish stand for at least 5 minutes before serving so everything sets up nicely.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A shower of fresh basil or parsley gives your Easy Baked Ziti Recipe a burst of garden color and a lift of flavor. You can also finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for an even cheesier bite—go wild!

Side Dishes

Pair your baked ziti with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a mound of garlicky bread—both soak up the sauce beautifully. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini are a great way to round out the meal and sneak in some extra greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your ziti into cute individual ramekins for dinner parties, or scoop it into bowls for a casual family meal. Leftovers make amazing lunchbox portions or picnic fare. You can even tuck in some extra mozzarella at the center of each serving for a gooey cheese surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Baked Ziti Recipe stays delicious for up to four days in the fridge. Just cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. The flavors actually get even better as they meld!

Freezing

This pasta bake is a freezer superstar! Assemble completely but hold off on baking, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the entire baking dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep things creamy and saucy.

FAQs

Can I make the Easy Baked Ziti Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What’s the best substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you’re out of ricotta or prefer something lighter, cottage cheese works great and still delivers a wonderful creamy texture. You could also try mascarpone for a richer, slightly sweeter twist.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While ziti is classic, penne or rigatoni are fantastic alternatives. The most important thing is to choose a tube-shaped pasta that can hold sauce inside and out for that ultimate baked-pasta bite.

How do I add extra vegetables to my Easy Baked Ziti Recipe?

It’s easy! Stir in sautéed spinach, chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers right into the sauce for an extra flavor and nutrition boost. Just cook them until tender before mixing with the meat sauce.

Can I make the Easy Baked Ziti Recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the meat and boost flavors with extra veggies or meatless crumbles. You can also experiment with plant-based cheeses and your favorite vegetarian marinara for a totally satisfying meat-free version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and brimming with cozy flavor, you can’t go wrong with this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s a dish that invites second helpings, happy memories, and lots of smiles around the table. Give it a try—the hardest part just might be waiting for it to cool!

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Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Baked Ziti recipe is a delicious and comforting Italian-American dish that the whole family will love. With layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s the perfect meal for any night of the week.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1 lb ziti pasta

Meat Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup water

Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add ground beef or sausage. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in marinara sauce and water, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
  5. Layer and bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish, top with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
  6. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or add spinach for extra vegetables.
  • Try using spicy sausage for a flavor boost.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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