Go Back
Delicious baked ziti topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs in a serving dish.

Baked Ziti

A comforting Italian-American dish featuring layers of ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 1 pound ziti pasta Use ziti or similar pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Can substitute with turkey or chicken for a lighter option
Sauce and Cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Can replace with provolone or gouda for variation
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
  • Fresh basil for garnish Optional, for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
  3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat; drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce and heat through.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assembly
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture until well mixed.
  2. Transfer half of the mixture to a baking dish. Layer half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  3. Add the remaining ziti mixture, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Baking
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
  3. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

You can prepare Baked Ziti in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing, wrap tightly and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.