Baked Ziti
This Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish layered with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Every bite is cheesy, saucy perfection — a true crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta or penne
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook meat and sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook 1 more minute. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Mix ricotta filling: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
- Assemble casserole: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, half the sauce, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of beef and Italian sausage.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for mild heat.
- Can be assembled ahead — refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezes beautifully; reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.