The Best Baked Ziti for a Cozy and Satisfying Meal
If you’re craving a cheesy, comforting pasta dish, this Baked Ziti is the perfect answer. This classic Italian-American favorite features tender ziti pasta tossed in a rich, hearty marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta cheese, seasoned ground beef, and a gooey, golden mozzarella topping. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this baked ziti is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the slow-simmered meat sauce, aromatic garlic and onions, and a perfect blend of Italian herbs. The layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese melt beautifully into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy bite in every forkful. Unlike traditional lasagna, baked ziti is much easier to assemble, requiring no delicate layering of pasta sheets—just mix, layer, and bake! The best part? It’s a great make-ahead dish that reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or freezer meals.
Secrets to the Best Baked Ziti
The key to achieving a flavorful baked ziti is letting the sauce simmer long enough to develop its rich, hearty taste. Cooking the pasta just until al dente ensures it doesn’t become too soft when baked. To prevent the cheese from drying out, cover the casserole with foil while baking, then uncover it at the end for a perfectly bubbly, golden crust. For extra creaminess, mix some heavy cream or shredded mozzarella into the ricotta mixture before layering.
Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the beaten egg until smooth. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom. Layer with half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and cheeses. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
This hearty, cheesy pasta dish pairs perfectly with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach. If you want to go all out, pair it with a classic Caesar salad and a glass of red wine for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
Customizations and Variations
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. For a richer, creamier texture, mix heavy cream or extra mozzarella into the ricotta mixture. If you want extra protein, add diced grilled chicken or turkey sausage to the sauce.