Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both simple to prepare and utterly delicious, you’re going to love this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe. I absolutely adore this dish because it combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melty cheeses all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether it’s a weekday meal or a special occasion, this recipe reliably delivers warmth and flavor with minimal fuss—trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe come together so beautifully—each adds its own layer of flavor and texture. I recommend choosing a flavorful marinara and a good quality mozzarella to really make this pop.

• Ziti pasta: I always cook it just a bit less than package directions recommend, so it finishes perfectly baked without becoming mushy.
• Ground beef or Italian sausage: I like mixing both for a deeper flavor, but you can use either to suit your taste.
• Onion and garlic: These aromatics are essential for that savory base everyone loves.
• Marinara sauce: Two jars give plenty of saucy goodness—grab your favorite brand or homemade version.
• Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that add that authentic flavor punch.
• Ricotta cheese: Mixing it with an egg helps the filling set up nicely without drying out.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts gorgeously and gives that dreamy cheesy layer we all crave.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the top and layers inside.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A splash of freshness and color for garnishing your baked masterpiece.

Variations

I love that this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is a great canvas for making it your own. Over the years, I’ve tried different tweaks that you might want to explore, depending on your cravings or what’s in your fridge.

• Vegetarian version: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a hearty, veggie-packed meal my vegetarian friends adore.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to give it a nice kick—my husband loves when I do this!
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives—perfect if you’re avoiding dairy but want that baked ziti feeling.
• Extra meaty: Double the meat and reduce the cheese a bit for a meat-lover’s dream.

How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking—and trust me, taking this extra step saves you the headache of a stuck-on cheesy mess later.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, but aim for al dente—slightly undercooked. It’ll soften more while baking, so this is key to avoiding mush. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your chosen ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If you use sausage, make sure to remove the casings first. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner sauce. Then add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent—a beautifully fragrant step that sets the stage.

Step 4: Season and Simmer Your Sauce

Sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in both jars of marinara sauce, then let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes so those flavors really meld. I love how the kitchen fills with that warm Italian scent at this point.

Step 5: Mix Ricotta and Egg

In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese and the beaten egg. This combo helps the cheese layer hold its shape and adds richness without turning runny when baked—something I learned the hard way on an earlier attempt!

Step 6: Layer It Up

Start by spreading half the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Dollop half the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, then spoon half of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Repeat the exact layering with the remaining ingredients, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top to get that irresistible bubbly crust.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After that, uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and just starting to brown—this step gives you the most beautiful texture and taste. I nearly did a happy dance the first time it came out perfectly.

Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve

Give your baked ziti a few minutes to cool and set before serving. This also makes it easier to slice and dish out. If you want to elevate the look, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping the finished baked ziti with fresh basil or parsley because it adds a refreshing brightness to the rich, cheesy flavors. Occasionally, I’ll sprinkle a little extra Parmesan just before serving for a salty, savory boost.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette—something light to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also pairs beautifully and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or when I want to impress guests, I bake the ziti in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets—each person gets their own bubbly, golden dish. It feels extra special and makes portion control easier, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked ziti in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for packed lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I double the recipe and freeze half before baking. I use foil pans, tightly cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding extra time if still slightly frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually 20 minutes or so. This keeps the cheese from drying out and the pasta from becoming tough, unlike microwaving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so reliable and ridiculously tasty without requiring hours in the kitchen. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners and laughter-filled evenings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make some wonderful memories of your own. It’s a recipe you’ll go back to again and again—consider this your new go-to comfort food!

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