There's something magical about the smell of baked ziti bubbling away in the oven. The rich aroma of melted cheese, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta fills the kitchen, promising a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

This recipe for the Best Baked Ziti Ever is a treasured favorite in my household, a dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement. It’s hearty, satisfying, and unbelievably easy to make, making it the perfect go-to for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or Sunday family gatherings. Let's dive in and create your next dinner sensation!
Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this baked ziti recipe! Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just craving comfort food, this dish checks all the boxes.
First, it's simple and straightforward, even for beginner cooks. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you'll have a dish that looks (and tastes!) like it took hours to make.
Second, it's a crowd-pleaser. Creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a perfectly seasoned marinara sauce combine to create a flavor-packed dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you prefer beef, sausage, or a vegetarian version, this ziti adapts beautifully to your tastes and dietary needs.
And finally, it's perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead, freeze it, and have a ready-made dinner for those busy days when cooking feels impossible.
Ready to make magic in the kitchen? Let’s get started with the ingredients!
Ingredient Notes

The magic of this baked ziti comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each playing an essential role in building the perfect bite.
- Ziti pasta: The foundation of the dish, ziti’s tubular shape is perfect for catching all the cheesy, saucy goodness. Penne works as a great substitute if you can't find ziti.
- Marinara sauce: A high-quality store-bought marinara or homemade sauce will elevate your ziti. Look for one with rich tomato flavor and minimal added sugar.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adding ground beef or sausage gives the dish a hearty, meaty base. Opt for mild or spicy sausage to suit your taste.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy layer in the ziti. For the best texture, use whole milk ricotta.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella ensures melty, cheesy perfection in every bite. Save some for that golden, bubbly topping!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cheese blend. Freshly grated Parmesan is worth the extra step.
- Seasonings: A mix of garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhances the sauce and ricotta mixture for maximum flavor.
- Fresh basil: A sprinkle of chopped basil at the end adds freshness and a pop of color.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for browning meat, and a trusty casserole dish.
How To Make the Best Baked Ziti Ever

Making this baked ziti is as easy as it is delicious! Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
- Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente (firm to the bite), as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the meat sauce
In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and your marinara sauce, then let it simmer for a few minutes. - Mix the cheese layer
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and half of your shredded mozzarella. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and some Italian seasoning. - Assemble the ziti
In a greased casserole dish, layer the ingredients: start with a thin layer of sauce, followed by half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the meat sauce. Repeat the layers and finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella on top. - Bake to perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. - Garnish and serve
Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil and enjoy the ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness!
Storage Options
This baked ziti is a meal prep hero! Here’s how to store leftovers and make it ahead:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For refrigerated leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For frozen ziti, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed twist.
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Gluten-free: Swap regular ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Cheese lovers: Add more cheese layers or incorporate provolone for an extra creamy, melty dish.
- Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a lighter version.
Feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe to your preferences. The possibilities are endless!
This Best Baked Ziti Ever is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth, flavor, and joy to any table. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. Grab your apron and dig in – your perfect baked ziti adventure awaits!
PrintBest Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
This best baked ziti ever recipe is the ultimate comfort food with layers of tender pasta, savory sauce, and melted cheese. A family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ¼ cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer with half the cooked ziti, half the ricotta mixture, half the mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding sautéed veggies.
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta as alternatives if ziti is unavailable.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
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