Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you treasure those warm, comforting dishes that bring the whole family together. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Classic Baked Ziti Recipe with you—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s hearty, cheesy, and so satisfying. Once you make this, you’ll see why it’s a kitchen staple for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Stick around, because this recipe truly hits all the right notes!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Picking the right ingredients makes all the difference here. You’ll want good quality cheese and a flavorful sauce—that’s where this recipe shines! I always like to grab fresh herbs for that extra pop of aroma.

• Ziti pasta: This tubular pasta holds sauce beautifully; undercook it slightly to avoid mushiness after baking.
• Ground beef or ground sausage: Either works—sausage adds a nice spiced kick, but beef is a classic comfort choice.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara for depth of flavor.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness to the meat sauce; no need to drain.
• Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes, but fresh garlic in the ricotta mixture balances it out nicely.
• Italian seasoning: The blend of herbs gives a signature Italian flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey patches that everyone will fight over.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For sprinkling on top—creates that golden crust we all love.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the dish.
• Ricotta cheese: Makes the filling creamy and rich—my secret for that luscious baked ziti layer.
• Fresh parsley and basil: Brighten the flavors and add a fresh herbal punch.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it holds its shape while baking.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every part of this dish properly.

Variations

I love how versatile this Classic Baked Ziti Recipe is—you can customize it endlessly to suit what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Here are a few of my favorite tweaks!

• Vegetarian version: Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach—adds wonderful flavor and texture without missing the meat.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for a nice kick; my family loves this when we’re craving something with a little heat.
• White baked ziti: Use a creamy béchamel sauce instead of marinara for a totally different but equally delicious spin.
• Extra cheesy: Mix in some provolone or asiago with your shredded cheese for more complexity.

How to Make Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Simmer the Sauce

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then crumble in your ground beef or sausage. I like to get it fully browned and slightly crispy on the edges for extra flavor. Once cooked, season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper—this seasoning layer makes the sauce sing! Pour in the marinara and diced tomatoes, give it a good stir, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This step is where the flavors deepen, so don’t rush it. If you like, this is a great moment to stir in a splash of red wine—trust me, it adds an incredible richness.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti pasta, but be careful not to overcook it! I usually cook it for a minute or two less than the package directs—if they say 10 minutes, I go for 8 or 9. This keeps the noodles firm so they don’t turn mushy when baked later. Drain well and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, egg, finely minced parsley and basil, plus the grated garlic clove. Mix everything together really well and add salt and pepper to taste. This filling is what makes this recipe feel so decadent and creamy—you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 4: Layer It Up and Bake

Time to assemble! Add the cooked pasta directly into your meat sauce and stir until well coated. Then spread half of this mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Dollop half of your ricotta mixture over the pasta, along with chunks of fresh mozzarella cheese for melty pockets. Pour about 2 cups of reserved sauce evenly over the top, then add the remaining pasta and ricotta spread. Finally, top everything with your shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Cover the whole dish tightly with foil—spraying the underside of the foil with cooking spray helps prevent sticking to the cheese—and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden. For the grand finale, broil for 1-2 minutes to get a crisp, cheesy top. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top right before serving. It adds a lovely fresh pop of color and flavor that balances out the richness. For a little extra, you can drizzle a touch of good olive oil or scatter some crushed red pepper flakes for those who like it spicy.

Side Dishes

A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to when serving baked ziti—it cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread is another classic pairing that never disappoints, plus roasted or steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus give some extra color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve this baked ziti in individual ramekins or mini skillets—everyone loves having their own personal cheesy casserole! You can also bake it in a pretty ceramic casserole dish for a cozy, rustic feel that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep everything safe and fresh.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing baked ziti either before or after baking. Assemble everything, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through. This trick is a total game-changer for meal prep or unexpected guests!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through—this keeps the ziti moist and melty. Microwaving works too, but the texture is better when reheated slowly in the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Classic Baked Ziti Recipe turns out every time—rich layers of cheese, a hearty meat sauce, and perfectly tender pasta all baked to bubbly perfection. When I first tried this recipe, I knew it would earn a permanent spot in my meal rotation. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with friends. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself—I promise this will become one of your new favorites too!

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