Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that’s loved by families and food lovers everywhere. It combines tender ziti pasta with rich tomato-meat sauce and layers of creamy cheeses, baked until golden and bubbly. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you want comfort food that’s simple but impressive.
It’s easier to make than lasagna because it doesn’t require multiple sheets of pasta or complicated layering. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that serves a crowd and freezes well for later.
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Baked Ziti Ingredients
Here’s what makes this baked ziti so delicious:
- Ziti Pasta: Tubular pasta that holds sauce well
- Italian Sausage (Beef) & Ground Beef: Adds rich flavor and protein
- Onion & Garlic: For a fragrant, savory base
- Crushed Tomatoes & Marinara Sauce: Create a smooth, hearty tomato sauce
- Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheese: For creamy, cheesy layers
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture
- Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warmth and depth
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Brightens the flavors and makes it look beautiful
All these ingredients come together to make a comforting, flavorful dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and ingredients; perfect for beginners
- Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying
- Feeds a Crowd: One 9×13 casserole can serve 8–10 people
- Versatile: You can add vegetables, make it vegetarian, or add spice
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake later, or freeze for future meals
Baked ziti is also a great dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings because it travels well and can be baked right before serving.
What’s the Difference Between Baked Ziti and Lasagna?
While both are baked pasta dishes, there are some key differences:
- Pasta: Baked ziti uses tubular ziti pasta, while lasagna uses flat lasagna noodles
- Layers: Lasagna has multiple thin layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Baked ziti usually mixes pasta with sauce and cheese, then adds a top layer of cheese
- Preparation Time: Baked ziti is quicker and easier to assemble than lasagna
- Texture: Baked ziti is creamier and less structured, while lasagna has distinct layers
- Serving: Both feed a crowd, but baked ziti is better for casual weeknight dinners
In short, baked ziti is the simpler, faster, and just-as-delicious cousin of lasagna.
Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage beef
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook sausage and ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove extra grease. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft. Stir in crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix gently.
Step 4: Assemble
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a little sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, then some ricotta mixture, then mozzarella. Repeat layers.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
