The Best Homemade Baked Ziti Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser, with layers of cheesy goodness and rich tomato sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

• Easy to prepare—just layer the ingredients and bake, no fancy skills needed.
• Perfect for leftovers—it reheats beautifully, making lunches a breeze.
• Family-friendly flavor—kids and adults alike will love the comforting, cheesy taste.

Recipe

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. This hearty dish features tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection. It’s simple to make and always a hit at family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until meat is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add half the cooked ziti, then spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top with half the mozzarella and half the remaining sauce.
7. Repeat layers with remaining ziti, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Equipment:

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish

Time:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes

Cuisine: Italian-American

Serving: 6-8

Nutrition

Baked ziti is a hearty dish that provides essential nutrients. Here are the nutrition facts per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love serving my baked ziti with garlic bread—it’s crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect for soaking up the sauce. A fresh, crunchy salad with a simple vinaigrette also works wonders to balance the rich, cheesy pasta. These pairings make the meal feel complete without overwhelming the star of the table.

Garlic Bread Pairings

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of garlic bread wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s paired with a hearty dish like baked ziti. I love serving crispy, buttery garlic bread alongside it—the crunch contrasts perfectly with the ziti’s creamy texture. For a twist, try cheesy garlic bread or sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. If you’re feeling fancy, brush the bread with olive oil and roast whole garlic cloves for a deeper flavor. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. Just don’t skimp on the garlic—this is one time more is always better!

Salad Suggestions

When you’re serving a rich dish like baked ziti, a fresh salad can be the perfect complement to balance things out. I love tossing together a crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, grated Parmesan, and homemade croutons. It’s simple but always hits the spot. A garden salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette is another go-to for me—it’s light and invigorating. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll make an arugula salad with lemon dressing and shaved Parmesan; the peppery greens pair so well with the creamy pasta. Whatever you choose, a salad adds a nice contrast to the hearty ziti.