Baked Ziti
There’s nothing quite like diving into a bubbling casserole dish of baked ziti—loaded with cheese, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for a dinner party, or craving some warm, comforting food, this baked ziti recipe delivers all the nostalgic Italian-American vibes in every bite.
Servings 6
Calories 480kcal
Cost $12–$15
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional, can use plant-based meat
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests). Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the rest.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground meat (if using) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spread a small amount of the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the pasta, then dollop half of the ricotta over it. Add a layer of sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
1. Undercook the Pasta Slightly
Pasta continues cooking in the oven, so boiling it until just under al dente helps avoid mushiness. 2. Use High-Quality Sauce
A flavorful sauce is key to a delicious ziti.
Choose a good-quality marinara or make your own with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. 3. Don’t Skimp on Cheese Layers
Layering different cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—gives the dish its signature gooey, creamy texture. 4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allowing baked ziti to cool for 5–10 minutes helps it set.
This makes slicing easier and prevents the layers from sliding apart.
Pasta continues cooking in the oven, so boiling it until just under al dente helps avoid mushiness. 2. Use High-Quality Sauce
A flavorful sauce is key to a delicious ziti.
Choose a good-quality marinara or make your own with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. 3. Don’t Skimp on Cheese Layers
Layering different cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—gives the dish its signature gooey, creamy texture. 4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allowing baked ziti to cool for 5–10 minutes helps it set.
This makes slicing easier and prevents the layers from sliding apart.