Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

There’s nothing like pulling a bubbling, cheesy baked ziti out of the oven on a chilly evening. This classic Italian-American dish features perfectly al dente pasta, hearty tomato sauce, and layers of melty cheese that make every bite irresistible.

I first discovered this recipe when hosting my very first dinner party. Nervous about cooking for a crowd, I opted for a comforting casserole—and it was an instant hit. Since then, it’s been my go-to for potlucks, family dinners, and those nights when you just need a warm hug on a plate.

Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite casserole. This baked ziti isn’t just delicious—it’s a game-changer in the kitchen.

First off, it’s so easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty dish that tastes like it’s straight out of an Italian trattoria. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend hours washing dishes.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to keep it vegetarian, sneak in some veggies, or add your favorite protein, baked ziti adapts beautifully to your preferences.

And let’s not forget the leftovers! It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or lunchboxes. One dish, endless possibilities.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of baked ziti lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component contributes to the dish’s rich, comforting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ziti pasta: The star of the show! Ziti is perfect for soaking up the sauce and cheese. If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni work beautifully too.
• Marinara sauce: A good-quality store-bought marinara will save you time, but if you’ve got homemade sauce on hand, it’ll elevate the dish even more.
• Ground beef or sausage: Adds a hearty, savory base to the dish. You can also swap this for ground turkey or a vegetarian substitute for a lighter option.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, ricotta creates that signature cheesy layer. Cottage cheese can be a budget-friendly alternative.
• Mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty topping. Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best results.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor that ties everything together.

Equipment tip: You’ll need a large pot, a skillet, and a 9x13-inch baking dish to make this recipe. Aluminum foil is handy for covering the ziti while baking.

How To Make This Baked Ziti

Making this baked ziti is as easy as boil, layer, and bake. Let’s break it down:

Start by cooking your ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water. Be sure to cook it just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown your ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, add your marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This creamy mixture will form the cheesy layers.

Now it’s time to assemble! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Add half the cooked pasta, followed by half the cheese mixture, and another layer of sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese, and sauce, then top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to make slicing easier.

Storage Options

Baked ziti is perfect for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the baked ziti in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating tip: Warm leftover ziti in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of marinara if it looks a little dry.

Variations and Substitutions

This baked ziti recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian option: Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for dietary needs.
• Extra cheesy: Mix in a few dollops of cream cheese or mascarpone for an ultra-creamy texture.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a little heat.
• Healthier version: Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, and part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter option.

No matter how you customize it, this baked ziti will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason baked ziti is a beloved classic—it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and just plain delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish never fails to impress. So, grab your ingredients and give it a try. I promise, it’ll be love at first bite!

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