Classic Baked Ziti Recipe: An Easy & Comforting Italian-American Casserole
Baked Ziti is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a culinary hug, a quintessential Italian-American comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. This incredibly easy-to-make casserole, often compared to its more elaborate cousin, lasagna, offers layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted, bubbling cheese without all the fuss. Whether you choose to craft our homemade sauce from scratch, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas, or opt for the convenience of your favorite jar of marinara to cut down on prep time, this Baked Ziti recipe promises a deeply satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal every single time. It’s truly a weeknight hero and a weekend delight, embodying the heart of delicious, unpretentious cooking.
Why This Baked Ziti Recipe Is a Must-Try
There’s a reason why this Baked Ziti recipe has been a consistent family favorite in our home for years, often requested what seemed like every other night when my kids were growing up. It’s more than just simple; it’s consistently delicious and remarkably satisfying. This dish offers all the hearty goodness of a classic Italian pasta bake without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
One of the key advantages of this recipe is its reliance on **easy-to-find ingredients**. You won’t need to hunt for obscure items; everything on the list, from the pasta to the ground beef and cheeses, is readily available at any standard grocery store. In fact, the most “exotic” ingredient you’ll likely encounter is ricotta cheese, which is a staple in most dairy sections. This accessibility ensures that you can whip up this comforting meal whenever the craving strikes, without any last-minute ingredient scrambles.
Beyond its simplicity, the magic truly happens when all the components come together. The rich, savory meat sauce intertwines with perfectly cooked ziti pasta, enveloped in a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. As it bakes in the oven, a tantalizing aroma fills your home, a promise of the bubbly, golden-brown perfection awaiting you. It’s a dish that not only tastes incredible but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, embodying the true spirit of comfort food.
This recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance between flavor, ease, and heartwarming satisfaction, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Baked Ziti
Crafting the perfect Baked Ziti starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. This recipe calls for a simple yet powerful combination of fresh and pantry staples that contribute to its rich flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for best results:
- Ziti Noodles: The star of the show! Ziti is a tube-shaped pasta, slightly larger and thicker than penne, with straight-cut ends. Its hollow shape is perfect for catching and holding onto the robust meat sauce and creamy cheese mixture. If ziti isn’t available, other tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni or even penne can be excellent substitutes. The key is to cook them *al dente* (slightly firm) before baking, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Ground Beef: We use two pounds of ground beef for a hearty, flavorful sauce. Choose a lean-to-medium fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for optimal flavor, but be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy. For variations, ground pork, Italian sausage (mild or spicy), ground chicken, or turkey can also be used. A blend of ground beef and Italian sausage is particularly delicious for an extra depth of flavor.
- Onion & Olive Oil: These form the aromatic base for our homemade sauce. Diced onion cooked until translucent and fragrant in olive oil sets the stage for a truly rich flavor.
- Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, and Pepper: This classic Italian seasoning blend elevates the meat sauce. The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, which can be adjusted to your heat preference. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as you go!
- Tomato Sauce & Whole Tomatoes: A combination of smooth tomato sauce and crushed whole tomatoes (or whole tomatoes that you crush by hand) creates a sauce with both body and texture. This duality provides a richer and more authentic Italian flavor profile than just using one type.
- Cheeses: Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Ricotta:
- Mozzarella: We use a generous amount, divided between the layers and for the irresistible topping. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty depth of flavor. The recipe notes mention grated vs. shredded Parmesan; grated is more finely ground and denser. If using shredded, you might need slightly more by volume to achieve the same cheesy punch.
- Ricotta: Essential for that creamy, luscious texture in the pasta layers. Whole milk ricotta offers the best flavor and consistency compared to part-skim.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): While optional, a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a touch of freshness and vibrant color to the finished dish.
Each component plays a vital role in making this Baked Ziti a comforting and delicious experience. The beauty of this recipe also lies in its flexibility, allowing you to adapt ingredients to your taste or what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Baked Ziti
This Baked Ziti recipe walks you through creating a delicious homemade meat sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and satisfaction. However, if time is short, you can easily adapt this into a truly easy baked ziti by using your favorite jarred marinara sauce instead. Simply skip the initial sauce-making steps (2-4) and warm your jarred sauce before combining it with the drained beef and assembling. Remember, the goal is a comforting meal, and flexibility is key!
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the casserole is ready.
- In a large skillet, add the olive oil and the diced onion. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, turns translucent, and becomes fragrant. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of your sauce.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your sauce from being greasy.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet (if you removed it for draining). Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their full aroma, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and the whole tomatoes. If using whole tomatoes, gently crush them with your hands or a potato masher for a rustic texture. Using a slotted spoon, carefully scoop the cooked ground beef mixture into the tomato sauce, leaving any remaining fat behind in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This slow simmer is key to a rich, delicious sauce.
- While your meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti noodles and cook them until they are just slightly al dente – meaning they are still firm to the bite. Remember, they will continue to cook in the oven, so avoid overcooking them now. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of the mozzarella cheese, 1 ½ cups of the Parmesan cheese, and the entire container of ricotta cheese. Mix these together until well combined and creamy. This cheese mixture will provide the luscious, gooey layers in your baked ziti.
- Add the cooked and rinsed ziti noodles to the bowl with the cheese mixture. Gently stir until the noodles are thoroughly coated with the creamy cheese. This ensures every bite of pasta is infused with cheesy goodness.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Begin by spreading 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking and starts every layer with flavor.
- Next, scoop half of the cheese and pasta mixture evenly over the meat sauce layer.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, using half of the remaining meat sauce (this will be about 1 to 1.5 cups). Distribute it evenly.
- Cover this with the second half of the pasta and cheese mixture, spreading it out. Then, top this final pasta layer with the remaining meat sauce, ensuring good coverage.
- Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole. This will create that beautiful, bubbly, golden-brown crust everyone loves.
- Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned, and the sauce is visibly bubbling around the edges. This indicates the casserole is heated through and the flavors have properly melded.
- Once baked, remove the Baked Ziti from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Achieving Perfect Baked Ziti Every Time
While Baked Ziti is inherently forgiving, a few expert tips can elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable:
- Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: This is crucial. Cook your ziti (or chosen pasta) to a firm al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing sauce and flavor. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning your ground meat, always drain off any excess fat. This prevents your sauce from becoming greasy and heavy, ensuring a cleaner, richer flavor.
- Layering Matters: Even layering of sauce, pasta, and cheese ensures that every serving has a balanced mix of ingredients. Start and end with sauce for moisture and a beautiful top crust.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: While simple, the quality of your ingredients makes a difference. Opt for whole milk ricotta for maximum creaminess and flavor, and consider freshly shredding your mozzarella for superior melt.
- Allow to Rest: Resist the urge to dive in immediately after baking! Letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes allows the layers to set, making it easier to portion and preventing a soupy mess.
- Customizable Sauce: Feel free to personalize your meat sauce. Add a splash of red wine for depth, a bay leaf for extra aroma, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ziti
Absolutely! Baked Ziti is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. We regularly enjoy the leftovers for several days. To store, simply transfer any remaining ziti into an airtight container with a lid, or cover the entire casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Properly stored, leftover ziti will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week. For reheating individual servings, the microwave works perfectly. For larger portions or if you prefer an oven-fresh taste, add a tablespoon or two of water to the pan (to prevent drying out), cover it loosely with foil, and reheat in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly.
Yes, absolutely! This recipe calls for 2 pounds of ground meat, offering plenty of flexibility. While ground beef provides a classic, rich flavor, you can easily substitute it based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Ground pork is an excellent alternative, adding a slightly different depth of flavor. For a lighter version, ground chicken or ground turkey work wonderfully. Many classic baked ziti recipes actually feature Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, which brings a fantastic, savory kick to the dish. Feel free to use a combination of different ground meats, such as beef and Italian sausage, for an even more complex and satisfying flavor profile. Experiment to find what suits your taste best!
Ziti is a popular type of pasta, characterized by its medium-sized, tube-shaped form with straight-cut ends. It’s quite similar in appearance to rigatoni and penne, though penne typically has angled ends and a ridged surface, while ziti is smooth. The hollow center and firm texture of ziti make it ideal for baked dishes, as it holds sauce and cheese beautifully. If you can’t find ziti noodles, don’t worry! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can use any other sturdy, tube-shaped pasta as a substitute, such as rigatoni, penne, or even cavatappi. The goal is to have a pasta shape that can stand up to baking and capture all the delicious sauce and cheese within its crevices.
Yes, Baked Ziti freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy times. To freeze, allow the cooked casserole to cool completely to room temperature after baking. Once cool, cover the casserole dish very tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can then place it in the freezer for up to one month. For best results when reheating, allow the frozen ziti to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s bubbling hot throughout. If reheating from frozen (which will take longer), you might want to bake it covered for about 45-60 minutes, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the cheese to brown. Freezing is a great way to ensure you always have a comforting meal ready to go!
We absolutely adore this Baked Ziti, especially when served alongside a crisp, fresh salad and warm, crusty Italian bread, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. This hearty baked casserole is the definition of pure comfort food, promising to be a real crowd-pleaser for any meal.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you’re looking for more comforting and easy dinner ideas, here are some other family favorites that you’re sure to enjoy:
- Macaroni and Cheese Casserole with Ham and Peas
- John Wayne Casserole
- Homemade Green Bean Casserole
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Chicken Alfredo
- Lasagna Roll Ups
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Baked Ziti
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 large onion diced (1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 29 ounces tomato sauce Two 14.5 ounce cans
- 28 ounce whole tomatoes canned
- 31 ounces mozzarella cheese divided (4 cups)
- 7 ounces grated Parmesan cheese divided (2 cups) see notes
- 15 ounces whole milk ricotta
- 16 ounces ziti noodles or similar pasta
- Fresh parsley
Things You’ll Need
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Saucepan
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Skillet
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13×9 baking dish
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
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In a skillet, add the olive oil and the diced onion. Cook for 5 minutes, or until translucent, soft and fragrant.
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Add in the ground beef and cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add in the spices, stir to combine and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
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In a saucepan, add the tomato sauce and the whole tomatoes. Using a slotted spoon, scoop in the cooked ground beef, draining the excess fat as you go. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook for 20-25 minutes.
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While the tomato sauce mixture is simmering, cook the pasta noodles until just slightly al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
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In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of the mozzarella cheese, 1 ½ cup of the parmesan cheese and the ricotta. Add in the noodles and stir to combine.
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In a 9×13 casserole dish, spread 1 cup of the meat mixture in the bottom of the baking dish. Scoop in ½ of the cheese and pasta mixture over the meat sauce.
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Add another layer of meat sauce, using ½ of the remaining meat sauce. Cover with the second ½ of the pasta and the remaining meat sauce.
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Top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
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Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, starting to brown and the sauce is bubbling up on the sides.
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Remove, allow to cool and enjoy.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on this blog on May 2, 2010.