Introduction

This classic Baked Ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare. For more hearty pasta dishes, try this Easy San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe – Classic Italian Comfort or these quick Easy Ricotta Beef Shells Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This comforting Baked Ziti fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of bubbling tomato sauce and melted cheese, promising a hearty, satisfying meal.

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This Baked Ziti recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather 1 pound ziti pasta, 24 ounces marinara sauce, 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 egg, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

Tip: Using freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded gives a creamier melt.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

Add the ziti to boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions indicate—it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well but do not rinse.

Tip: Undercooking the pasta prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.

Step 3 — Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.

The egg helps bind the cheese mixture so your Baked Ziti slices neatly.

Step 4 — Layer the Ziti

Spread ½ cup marinara in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the cooked ziti, then all the cheese mixture. Top with remaining ziti and sauce.

Tip: Lightly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 5 — Add the Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly over the sauced ziti. For extra browning, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Cover the dish with foil at this stage to keep the cheese from over-browning early.

Step 6 — Bake the Ziti

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.

The Baked Ziti is done when the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly browned.

Step 7 — Rest Before Serving

Let the ziti stand for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the layers to set for cleaner slicing.

Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	480
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	18g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — A lighter protein option that still provides savory flavor and texture to your Baked Ziti.
• Lentils or Chickpeas — A plant-based protein swap that adds heartiness and fiber, perfect for a meatless Baked Ziti.
• Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash — A low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, adding freshness and reducing overall calories.
• Whole Wheat or Legume-Based Pasta — A gluten-free or higher-fiber option that maintains the classic Baked Ziti texture.
• Low-Fat Ricotta or Cottage Cheese — Reduces saturated fat while keeping the creamy, cheesy layers intact.
• Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Cheese — A dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy, umami flavor to your Baked Ziti.
• No-Salt-Added Tomato Sauce — Helps lower sodium content; enhance flavor with herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic.
• Part-Skim or Plant-Based Mozzarella — Cuts down on fat and calories while still achieving that signature melted cheese topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this classic Baked Ziti with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-American feast.
• Serve this comforting Baked Ziti at casual gatherings like potlucks or game day parties, as it’s easy to make in large batches.
• For a more elegant dinner, plate individual portions of Baked Ziti in a shallow pasta bowl and garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
• Turn this Baked Ziti into a hearty weeknight meal by pairing it with simple steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
• Let the Baked Ziti rest for 10-15 minutes after baking for cleaner slices and a more set texture that holds together beautifully on the plate.
• For a fun family-style presentation, serve the Baked Ziti directly from the baking dish at the center of the table.

This versatile Baked Ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a festive holiday meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using the wrong pasta shape. Fix: Stick with ziti or penne; their tubes and ridges hold sauce perfectly.
• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta before baking. Fix: Cook it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven.
• Mistake: Skipping the sauce seasoning. Fix: Taste and adjust your marinara with salt, pepper, and herbs before assembling.
• Mistake: Not layering cheese properly. Fix: Mix ricotta into the pasta and top with mozzarella for maximum melt.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients. Fix: Bring cheese and sauce to room temp for even cooking and better texture.
• Mistake: Baking without a cover initially. Fix: Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent dried-out edges.
• Mistake: Skipping the rest time after baking. Fix: Let your Baked Ziti sit for 10 minutes so layers set for cleaner slices.
• Mistake: Overloading with too much cheese. Fix: Balance cheese types—too much can make the dish greasy and heavy.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze Baked Ziti in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in foil for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or microwave until steaming hot.

Always allow your Baked Ziti to cool to room temperature before storing to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. For more pasta favorites, try this Classic Stuffed Shells Recipe – Creamy, Gooey Comfort Food. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this Baked Ziti up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

What is the best cheese to use for Baked Ziti?

A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan works best for a classic, creamy Baked Ziti. The ricotta provides richness, while the mozzarella gives it that signature stretchy, melted texture.

Can I freeze leftover Baked Ziti?

Absolutely. Baked Ziti freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.