Baked Ziti Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Baked Ziti Recipe with you because it’s one of those super comforting meals that everyone in my family absolutely loves. When I first tried making baked ziti, I thought it might be a bit tricky, but once I got the hang of how the layers work and the right baking times, it quickly became a go-to for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers. You’ll find that the combination of cheesy goodness, meaty sauce, and tender pasta just hits all the right spots. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through everything to ensure it comes out delicious every time!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that classic baked ziti taste we all crave. Plus, they’re pretty straightforward — I always keep these basics on hand so I can throw this together anytime. When shopping, I recommend picking fresh garlic and a good-quality spaghetti sauce, as they really boost the flavor.

• Ziti pasta: The tubular shape catches the sauce perfectly — no other pasta works quite the same.
• Ground beef: I like using lean beef to balance flavor and texture without too much grease.
• Garlic: Adds that subtle punch, but don’t overdo it or it will overpower the dish.
• Onion: Freshly chopped onion brings sweetness and depth – sauté it until soft and translucent.
• Spaghetti sauce: A rich tomato base that carries the whole dish.
• Tomato sauce: I use this to add extra tomato flavor and a bit more moisture to the mix.
• Oregano: The perfect herb for an Italian vibe; fresh or dried both work well.
• Ricotta cheese: This creamy layer adds luscious texture and balances the acidity from the tomato sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan gives a sharp, salty kick that complements the mozzarella wonderfully.
• Mozzarella cheese: I always use part shredded and part reserved for topping so it melts evenly and looks irresistible.

Variations

I love that the baked ziti recipe is so versatile—you can tweak it based on whatever you have around or dietary preferences. Over time, I’ve tried a few fun changes that still work beautifully while keeping the same comforting feel.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty veggie-packed version that still feels satisfying.
• Spicy Twist: Toss in some red pepper flakes or Italian sausage instead of beef if you like it with a little kick—my family always asks for seconds of this!
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sauce labels; it’s just as delicious and perfect for gluten-sensitive eaters.
• Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover like me, swapping some of the mozzarella for provolone or adding a sprinkle of asiago on top can take it to the next level.

How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Ziti to Al Dente Perfection

Start by boiling your ziti pasta until it’s just al dente — meaning it still has a little bite to it. I usually set a timer and taste a piece at around 9 minutes. The reason you don’t want to overcook it is because the pasta will continue cooking when baked, and nobody wants mushy ziti! Drain it well and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Build the Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and break up the meat until it’s browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and oregano. Let this simmer gently until it just starts to bubble—this blends those flavors nicely. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t scorch.

Step 3: Layer Your Baked Ziti

Now for the fun part — layering! Combine 1 cup of the beef and sauce mixture with the cooked ziti and give it a good stir so every piece is coated. Spoon half of this ziti mixture into your baking dish. Dollop on half the ricotta cheese evenly, then sprinkle a full cup of mozzarella on top, and ladle on a cup of sauce to keep things nice and saucy. Repeat by adding the remaining ziti mixture, then finish with the rest of the sauce on top.

Step 4: Bake Covered and Then Uncover for the Perfect Finish

Cover the baking dish with foil — this traps moisture and helps the ricotta layer become beautifully creamy. Pop it in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the parmesan and the remaining half-cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes to get a bubbly, slightly golden cheese crust that’s just irresistible. If you want to get fancy, I sometimes turn on the broiler for the last minute to brown that cheese even more, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing my baked ziti with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley — it brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note. A little extra parmesan on the plate is also welcomed. If you want an extra pop of color and crunch, toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil on top works wonders.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve this baked ziti with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette — it cuts through the richness nicely. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a hit in my house for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake individual portions in small ramekins — it makes a great presentation for dinner guests and keeps the cheesy top perfectly golden. Another idea I’ve tried is layering it in a glass baking dish so you can see the beautiful layers — it’s a subtle wow factor that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually stash leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully without drying out if you add a splash of water or sauce and cover it loosely with foil in the oven.

Freezing

This baked ziti recipe freezes wonderfully — I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture. Pro tip: freeze before baking for easier handling and baking from frozen takes just a bit longer.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven to keep the cheese melty and the sauce bubbly. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes to refresh that crusty cheese top. Microwave works in a pinch but can make it a little rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This baked ziti recipe will soon become one of those classic dishes you reach for when you want comfort, ease, and a dish that makes everyone smile around the dinner table. I absolutely love how it turns out every time — creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. So next time you’re craving something warm and satisfying, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. Trust me, once you nail this, it’ll be a treasured staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!

Print