There’s nothing quite like a bubbling dish of Baked Ziti coming out of the oven — golden cheese, rich sauce, and tender pasta all layered into one comforting masterpiece.
This Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti brings together the heartwarming flavors of Italian cuisine without the fuss of lasagna. You get all that cheesy, saucy goodness in a simpler, quicker form that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
Made with ziti pasta, rich marinara, ground beef (or sausage), creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table — and guarantees no leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
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Simple ingredients, big flavor — pantry staples that create restaurant-quality comfort.
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Family favorite — kids and adults both love it!
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Perfect for meal prep — great for freezing or reheating.
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Cheesy, hearty, and satisfying — everything a baked pasta should be.
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Customizable — make it with or without meat, add veggies, or change up the sauce.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This baked ziti delivers the cozy comfort of homemade lasagna with half the effort. It’s a one-dish wonder — creamy, saucy, cheesy, and baked to perfection.
It’s also ideal for gatherings. You can assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or cooking for the week, this ziti never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Sauce:
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1 lb ziti or penne pasta
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1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
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1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
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1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
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1 egg
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti (Step by Step)
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the pasta
Boil ziti according to package directions until just al dente (about 1 minute less than stated). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the sauce
In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, marinara, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the ricotta mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the ziti
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7: Serve hot
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
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Don’t overcook pasta – It will continue to cook in the oven.
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Layer strategically – Helps keep everything creamy and evenly sauced.
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Use quality sauce – A good marinara makes a big difference.
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Add mozzarella in layers – So every bite is cheesy and gooey.
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Let it rest – 10 minutes of cooling helps it set before serving.
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Add spice – Red pepper flakes add subtle heat.
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Mix beef and sausage – For more depth of flavor.
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Use fresh herbs – Basil or parsley add brightness.
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Freeze before baking – Great for make-ahead dinners.
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Bake uncovered at the end – For that golden, bubbly top!
Variations & Substitutions
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Vegetarian Ziti: Skip the meat and add roasted vegetables (zucchini, peppers, mushrooms).
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Spicy Ziti: Add crushed red pepper or spicy sausage.
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Three-Cheese Ziti: Add provolone and fontina for extra richness.
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Lighter Version: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta and ground turkey instead of beef.
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White Ziti: Swap red sauce for Alfredo and spinach for a creamy twist.
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based meat and dairy-free cheeses.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check sauces for hidden gluten.
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Pesto Ziti: Add a swirl of basil pesto to the layers.
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Extra Cheesy: Top with fresh mozzarella slices before baking.
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Mini Ziti Cups: Bake individual portions in muffin tins for parties.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti
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Garlic bread or breadsticks
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Caesar salad or garden salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Caprese salad
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Glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
To Freeze:
Freeze baked or unbaked ziti for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with foil.
To Reheat:
Bake at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual servings.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes — assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Definitely — it’s one of the best make-ahead freezer meals.
Can I use another cheese?
Yes — provolone, fontina, or even Gouda melt beautifully.
Can I make it without ricotta?
Sure! Use cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Don’t overbake — and make sure there’s plenty of sauce between layers.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the meat and add veggies or a plant-based protein.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use two 9×13 pans for larger gatherings.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Ziti is easier! No noodles to layer — just mix, layer, and bake.
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Absolutely — they’re nearly identical in texture and shape.
Can I add spinach?
Yes, stir in fresh or frozen spinach to the ricotta layer for extra nutrients.
Final Thoughts
This Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti is everything comfort food should be — cheesy, saucy, hearty, and soul-satisfying. It’s a family classic that never fails to impress, perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners.
Simple ingredients, one baking dish, and layers of pure Italian flavor make this a go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread, and you’ve got a dinner that’s guaranteed to make everyone smile.