When it comes to cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners, nothing beats a warm dish of baked ziti straight from the oven. It’s one of those meals that fills your kitchen with the aroma of simmering tomato sauce and melted cheese — a comforting Italian classic that feels like a hug in every bite.
This Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti recipe is pure simplicity and flavor. Think layers of tender pasta, a hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and stretchy mozzarella, all baked until golden and bubbling. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and convenience — simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to serve to guests.
If lasagna feels like too much work, baked ziti is your easy, just-as-tasty alternative. One pot, one pan, and dinner is ready to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
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All the flavor, less effort – no noodle layering required.
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Comfort in every bite – rich tomato sauce and melted cheese perfection.
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Freezer-friendly – ideal for meal prep or busy nights.
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Family favorite – kids love it, and adults go back for seconds.
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Customizable – add veggies, swap cheeses, or use sausage for more flavor.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Baked ziti is one of those timeless dishes that never goes out of style. It’s hearty, cheesy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you make it with ground beef, sausage, or go vegetarian, it always hits the spot.
Plus, it’s a meal that loves leftovers — it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you’re looking for an easy dinner that feeds a crowd and delivers comfort in every forkful, this is it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat 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 onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or homemade if you have time)
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1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
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1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
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1 large 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: Boil the pasta
Cook ziti in salted water until just al dente — about 1 minute less than the package suggests. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
In a large skillet, brown ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic. Add marinara, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors come together.
Step 3: Mix the cheese layer
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the ziti
Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and topping with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake to golden perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Cool slightly and serve
Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving — it helps the layers set beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and dig in!
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
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Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue cooking in the oven.
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Add depth to your sauce – A splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar adds richness.
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Use a mix of cheeses – A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan makes it irresistible.
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Make it saucy – Dry ziti is a tragedy! Keep your sauce-to-pasta ratio generous.
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Add layers evenly – Ensures creamy bites throughout.
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Let it rest – The ziti holds together better after cooling slightly.
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Boost flavor – Use hot Italian sausage for a subtle kick.
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Make ahead friendly – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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Freeze before baking – Perfect for meal prep or gifting.
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Don’t skip the broil – A quick broil adds that golden, cheesy crust.
Variations & Substitutions
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Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
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Spicy Italian Ziti: Mix in spicy sausage or crushed chili flakes.
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White Baked Ziti: Use Alfredo sauce and add spinach or chicken.
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Vegan Option: Use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and vegan meat crumbles.
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Gluten-Free: Swap for gluten-free pasta and check sauce labels.
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Three-Cheese Baked Ziti: Add provolone and fontina for rich, gooey layers.
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Meat Lovers’ Version: Use half beef, half sausage for deeper flavor.
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Pesto Ziti: Add spoonfuls of pesto between layers for a fresh twist.
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Extra Creamy: Stir ½ cup heavy cream into the ricotta layer.
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Rustic Style: Bake in a cast-iron skillet for a farmhouse presentation.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti
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Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
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Crisp Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad
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Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
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Caprese salad with balsamic glaze
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Glass of red wine (Chianti, Merlot, or Sangiovese)
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
To Freeze:
Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
To Reheat:
Bake covered at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual servings with a splash of sauce to keep it moist.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?
Yes — any short pasta works beautifully.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate.
Can I use jarred sauce?
Yes — just choose a high-quality marinara or your favorite brand.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the meat and add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely — baked ziti freezes and reheats like a dream.
Do I need ricotta?
It’s traditional, but cottage cheese or mascarpone are great swaps.
How can I make it spicier?
Add hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes.
Can I double it for a party?
Yes — use two baking dishes or a large roasting pan.
How do I prevent it from drying out?
Add extra sauce between layers and cover while baking.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and a vegan ricotta substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Easy & Delicious Baked Ziti is everything you want in a cozy dinner — creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Italian flavor. It’s comfort food at its best: warm, hearty, and made to share.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this baked ziti always delivers. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn you compliments — the kind of dish you’ll make again and again.