Easy Baked Ziti: Cheesy Comfort In Under An Hour

Easy Baked Ziti marries tender tubes of pasta with a luscious three-cheese blend and savory homemade sauce for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner. Imagine bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan melding into each ziti, all bathed in a rich marinara that sings of garlic, basil, and sun-ripened tomatoes. This Best Ziti Bake recipe delivers layers of creamy ricotta, hearty ground beef, and al dente pasta in every forkful. Whether you crave a quick weeknight meal or an indulgent gathering dish, this Homemade Ziti Recipe never fails to comfort. Let’s dive into a Bakes Ziti Easy method that transforms pantry staples into pure Italian-style bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• An effortless one-dish wonder that streamlines cleanup without skimping on flavor.
• The Homemade Sauce is vibrant and garlicky, setting your Baked Ziti Homemade Sauce apart from jarred versions.
• Three cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—create a melty, blissfully stretchy texture.
• Ground beef adds hearty protein, but you can skip or swap for Italian sausage for Bake Ziti Recipe With Ground Beef depth.
• This Best Ziti Bake adapts beautifully to add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or a dash of crushed red pepper.

Recipe Snapshot

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta – classic tubular shape perfect for holding sauce (Pasta)
• 1 pound ground beef – adds savory richness (swap for turkey or sausage as desired)
• 2 cups marinara sauce – homemade or high-quality jarred for Best Ziti Bake flavor
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – creamy base that keeps pasta moist
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella – provides that irresistible cheese pull
• ½ cup grated Parmesan – sharp, nutty finish (Parmesan)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – aromatic foundation
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – classic Italian herb
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil – bright, herbaceous garnish (Basil)
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – for sautéing (Olive oil)

Ellie

Easy Baked Ziti

This Easy Baked Ziti combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, a garlicky homemade marinara, and three cheeses for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s a simple, satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any night of the week.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Meat

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

Sauce and Seasoning

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• olive oil for sautéing

Cheese Blend

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella divided
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan divided

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• 9×13 Baking Dish

Method

 

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds, then brown the ground beef. Drain fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with ricotta. Season lightly.
5. Spread half of the sauce in a greased 9×13” baking dish. Layer half the pasta mixture, ¾ cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan.
6. Repeat with remaining sauce, pasta mixture, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.

Notes

Make ahead by assembling up to 2 days before baking. Use spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes for variation. Let it rest before slicing for clean servings.

How to Make the Recipe

Follow these seven simple steps to assemble and bake your Easy Baked Ziti.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until just al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds, then add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper into the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Combine with Ricotta

In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with ricotta cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Layer in Baking Dish

Spread half the meat sauce in a greased 9×13” dish. Top with half the ziti-ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with ¾ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.

Step 6: Repeat Layers

Pour remaining sauce over pasta layer. Top with remaining ziti mixture and cheeses.

Step 7: Bake and Garnish

Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle fresh basil before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Salt your pasta water generously to season the interior of each ziti tube.
• Under-cook ziti by one minute; it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Use part-skim ricotta for a lighter texture and fewer calories.
• Layer cheeses evenly to ensure every bite has that perfect cheesy pull.
• Let the dish rest before cutting so it sets and slices neatly.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti

This versatile pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Garlic-buttered breadsticks
• Crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons
• Roasted broccoli tossed in lemon and Parmesan
• Simple arugula salad with olive oil and balsamic
• Steamed green beans with a squeeze of fresh lemon
• Antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and cheeses
• Marinated artichokes and cherry tomatoes
• Classic caprese skewers drizzled with pesto
• Sauteed spinach with garlic and chili flakes
• Soft focaccia brushed with rosemary and sea salt

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Cool completely before sealing in an airtight container
• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through
• Refresh with a light sprinkle of mozzarella and quick broil if desired

Freezing

• Assemble but don’t bake; cover tightly with foil and freeze up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge
• Bake covered at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, uncovering last 5 minutes to brown

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes covered
• Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving, stirring halfway
• Add a splash of water or sauce if pasta seems dry

FAQs

What are the health benefits of pasta and tomatoes?

Whole-grain pasta provides sustained energy from complex carbohydrates, while tomatoes deliver lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health.

Can I substitute a major ingredient?

Yes—swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Gluten-free ziti works too.

How can I add flavor without extra calories?

Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for depth without adding fat.

Can I meal prep Easy Baked Ziti?

Absolutely—assemble in individual containers for grab-and-go reheatable lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Easy Baked Ziti transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty, comforting meal that feeds both body and soul. Its flexible layers allow endless customization, while the three-cheese blend guarantees every bite is irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family night or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe delivers reliable warmth and flavor. Embrace the joy of one-dish cooking and let this Baked Ziti Pasta Recipes classic become a staple in your dinner rotation.

For more other delicious recipes, check out this link !!