Baked Ziti (Easy Recipe)
If you’re ever looking for a comforting, uncomplicated pasta dish that brings everyone around the table, baked ziti is the answer. This Italian-American casserole shines with layers of cheesy goodness, savory tomato sauce, and tender pasta tubes. With a few simple steps, you can bake up a hearty meal that feeds a crowd or offers delicious leftovers. Let’s dive into what makes baked ziti a classic and how you can make it effortlessly at home.
What Is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is a baked pasta dish featuring ziti noodles, tomato-based meat sauce, plenty of cheese, and sometimes a creamy filling. It resembles lasagna in flavor and texture but skips the fuss of layering fragile pasta sheets. The pasta’s hollow tubes catch the sauce, while the blend of cheeses melts into a gooey, golden topping. It’s perfect for casual weekends, potlucks, or cozy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
- Effortless assembly: No tricky steps or fancy skills needed.
- Crowd-pleaser: Feeds a family or several guests with ease.
- Advance prep: Can be made ahead and stored for later.
- Versatility: Adapt with your favorite meat, veggies, or cheeses.
- Comforting: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying from the first bite.
Ingredients
To make this baked ziti, you’ll need a handful of common pantry and fridge staples. Here’s what goes into each layer:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose/Notes |
|---|---|
| Ziti Pasta | Hollow tubes help grip the sauce |
| Olive Oil | For sautéing onions |
| Onion (diced) | Adds depth and sweetness |
| Lean Ground Beef | Savory protein base, or try ground turkey |
| Garlic (minced) | Boosts savory aroma |
| Spaghetti Sauce | Tomato-rich sauce, jarred or homemade |
| Provolone Cheese | Slices add creaminess |
| Mozzarella Cheese | Melts for that signature gooey top |
| Parmesan Cheese | Adds nutty, salty flavor on the crust |
| Sour Cream or Ricotta | Infuses creaminess between layers |
| Salt and Pepper | For seasoning |
| Fresh Basil/Parsley | Optional garnish |
Optional Add-Ins
- Italian sausage, for a richer sauce
- Red pepper flakes, for a kick
- Baby spinach or roasted veggies, for nutrition and color
Step-by-Step: How To Make Baked Ziti
1. Prepare the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add ziti and cook until just al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Overcooking will cause the pasta to fall apart during baking, so keep it firm. Drain and set aside, drizzling with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook briefly, then add ground beef. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it browns.
Once the beef is no longer pink, pour in the spaghetti sauce. Let the sauce simmer for at least 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you like, such as oregano or crushed red pepper.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Start with half of the cooked ziti as the first layer. Cover with sliced provolone cheese, dollop half the sour cream or ricotta, and then spoon over half the meat sauce.
Layer the rest of the ziti on top. Spread the remaining sour cream, then add the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle grated mozzarella over the top, finishing with Parmesan for a golden, bubbling crust.
Assembly Order Example
- Half the ziti pasta
- Provolone cheese
- Sour cream or ricotta
- Half the sauce
- Remaining ziti
- Remaining sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
4. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole loosely with foil, tenting it so the cheese does not touch. Bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Let rest for 10 minutes to help the layers set before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley right before serving, if desired.
Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection
- Keep it saucy: Baked pasta should never be dry. Don’t skimp on the sauce, especially if preparing ahead.
- Mix cheeses for depth: Use a blend—mozzarella brings stretch, provolone gives creaminess, and Parmesan provides sharpness. A touch of fontina or asiago works, too.
- Breadcrumb topping: For crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and olive oil over the top before the final bake.
- Fresh herbs: Add chopped basil, oregano, or thyme for color and flavor.
- Make it your own: Try swapping protein, using vegetables, or adding spices for your signature version.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
Protein Options
- Ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Italian sausage for extra spice and richness, either mild or spicy.
- Meatballs (sliced) for a classic Italian-American twist.
- Vegetarian: Omit meat and use a spinach and mushroom filling.
Pasta Choices
- Penne or rigatoni: Both hold up well to baking and work if ziti isn’t available.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free: Use your preferred pasta for dietary needs.
Sauce Tweaks
- Homemade marinara: Simmer crushed tomatoes with herbs and garlic.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or use Alfredo for a different base.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce as it cooks.
Cheese Alternatives
- Ricotta instead of sour cream: For a traditional Italian flavor.
- Cottage cheese: Blended with an egg for a smooth, high-protein layer.
- Vegan cheese: If you want a dairy-free bake.
Veggie Additions
- Spinach: Stir into warm sauce to wilt before assembling.
- Zucchini, eggplant, or bell pepper: Roast and layer in for color and texture.
- Broccoli florets: Steam lightly and mix into the pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is filling, but a few sides can turn dinner into a true feast. Here are favorites:
- Garlic bread: Crunchy, buttery, and ideal for soaking up sauce.
- Classic green salad: Toss romaine with olives, tomatoes, red onion, and a zesty dressing.
- Oven-roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add variety.
- Antipasto platter: For gatherings, include cured meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies.
Storing and Reheating
Ziti is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day.
In the Fridge
Wrap cooled leftovers tightly in foil or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days.
In the Freezer
For longer storage, cover the dish or portions with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. You can assemble the casserole and freeze it unbaked or freeze cooked leftovers.
Reheating Instructions
- From the fridge: Place in a 350°F oven, covered, for 20-25 minutes until hot.
- From frozen: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as above. If baking from frozen, increase time by about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions, covered, on medium power until steaming.
Make-Ahead, Batch Cooking, and Meal Prep
Baked ziti is ideal for prepping ahead. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you need to prepare meals for the week, portion leftovers into single-serve containers. It’s also an excellent dish for bringing to friends, family, or neighbors in need of a ready-made meal.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Why is my baked ziti dry?
Not enough sauce or overbaking are usually the culprits. Use plenty of sauce and cover the dish for most of the baking time.
Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate unbaked ziti for up to a day before baking. If frozen, thaw overnight before baking.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Both are layered casseroles, but lasagna uses wide pasta and baked ziti uses tubular shapes. Ziti is also a bit quicker since there’s less careful layering.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use two baking dishes. Baking time may be slightly longer with multiple dishes in the oven.
Baked ziti brings together everything we love in a comfort food—rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, layers of cheese, and the ease of preparing a meal that can go from weeknight dinner to celebration centerpiece. Whether you keep it classic or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish promises warmth and plenty of leftovers. Pull out that large baking dish, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the simple pleasure of oven-baked pasta.
Baked Ziti (Easy Recipe)
Nothing quite beats a classic baked ziti! It’s made with ground beef, pasta, spaghetti sauce, and loads of cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food dish!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 pound dry ziti pasta
- 6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce (26 ounces each)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta in the boiling water until it is al dente. This takes about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta. Set it aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Stir until the onion softens. Stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked ziti in the bottom of the baking dish. Top it with the sliced provolone cheese. Add the sour cream. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the top. Add the remaining ziti. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon the remaining meat sauce over everything. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until it is heated through. Let the cheese melt. Bake for about 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
