Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Baked Ziti is the perfect dish for busy nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a mouthwatering Italian-American dinner ready in under an hour. The layers of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce make it a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet lovers. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and easy to make ahead—just assemble and refrigerate for later!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
- 4 cups (950 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook the Ziti Pasta:
Cook the ziti pasta in salted water, stopping 1–2 minutes before it reaches al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. - Mix the Ricotta Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Assemble the Dish:
Spread 1 cup of the sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the shredded mozzarella, and some grated Parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top. - Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. - Rest and Serve:
Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Extra Creaminess: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce before layering.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground meat and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top for a little heat.
- Different Cheese Options: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone or gouda for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for an extra gooey finish.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or even shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Can I freeze this baked ziti?
Yes, you can freeze the baked ziti before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, or bake directly from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
4. What can I serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with a simple green vegetable like broccoli or sautéed spinach.
5. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works great for this recipe. If you have the time, homemade marinara can take the flavor to the next level.
6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese options like vegan ricotta and dairy-free mozzarella to make this dish dairy-free.
7. How do I prevent the top from burning?
If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent it from over-browning.
8. Can I add meatballs to the baked ziti?
Yes, you can add cooked meatballs to the layers of baked ziti for extra flavor. Just make sure the meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the dish.
9. How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving for a spicy kick.
10. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can assemble the ziti in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Top with cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Ziti is a go-to dinner recipe that brings all the comforting flavors of Italian-American cuisine to your table in under an hour. The cheesy layers, savory marinara, and tender pasta make it a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this baked ziti is sure to become a favorite!
Irresistible Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Busy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Easy Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting dish with layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and melted mozzarella. It’s a simple, quick, and satisfying recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family meals.
Ingredients
1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
4 cups (950 ml) marinara sauce
1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
½ teaspoon (3 g) black pepper
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ziti Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta in salted water, stopping 1–2 minutes before al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of sauce. Layer half of the pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream to the marinara sauce.
Vegetarian version: Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle on top.
Mix in other cheeses like provolone or gouda for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
