Easy Baked Ziti Recipe – Cheesy, Saucy & Delicious Comfort Food

Baked Ziti: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Ziti is the perfect balance of creamy cheese, hearty tomato sauce, and tender pasta. It’s a great dish for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. This easy-to-make recipe is packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a favorite for all pasta lovers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Stir until well combined.
6. Assemble the Ziti: In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the sauce and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers and top with the remaining mozzarella.
7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Servings & Time

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ziti and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes.

How do I make this vegetarian?
Simply omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the assembled (unbaked) ziti for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti is a true comfort food classic—rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious blend of pasta, sauce, and melted cheese, and make it your own with your favorite ingredients!