Any baked pasta casserole is a family favorite! And this recipe combines layers of pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a blend of melty cheeses. So get all the details below for my baked ziti!
Made with ziti or penne pasta, Italian sausage, and ground beef, this dish is perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.
The recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking techniques. You can easily customize it with additional ingredients like bell peppers or spices such as red pepper flakes for a little kick. Serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal.
And below the main recipe, I also give you a vegetarian version!
Creating the Perfect Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a beloved dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. This easy baked ziti recipe features layers of pasta, a rich meat sauce, and a blend of melty cheeses that create a delightful experience with every bite.
Using ziti or penne pasta, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also allows for customization. You can add bell peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage gives the meat sauce a robust flavor, making it a family favorite for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
When preparing this dish, remember to cook the pasta until it’s al dente. This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and texture during the baking process.
Ingredients for Success
The key to a delicious baked ziti lies in the quality of the ingredients. Start with a pound of ziti or penne pasta, and don’t forget the essential components like ground beef, Italian sausage, and a variety of cheeses.
For the sauce, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste form the base, while garlic and Italian seasoning add depth. A creamy ricotta mixture made with whole milk ricotta, cottage cheese, and heavy cream contributes to the dish’s richness.
As you gather your ingredients, consider the types of cheese you want to use. Mozzarella is a must for that gooey topping, but a sprinkle of pecorino romano can elevate the flavor profile.
Layering the Casserole
Assembling the baked ziti is where the magic happens. In a large sauté pan, cook the ground meat with diced yellow onion until browned, then stir in the garlic and tomatoes to create a homemade sauce.
In a 13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of the meat sauce, followed by half of the cooked pasta. Next, spread half of the creamy ricotta mixture and top with mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with the remaining sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the baking dish on the middle rack. The baking time is crucial; cover the dish for the first 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes.
Watch for the cheese to become golden brown and bubbly, signaling that your baked ziti is ready to be enjoyed.
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to scoop out portions with a slotted spoon.
Serving Suggestions
To complement your baked ziti, serve it with a side of garlic bread. The crunchy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta, creating a well-rounded meal.
For a fresh touch, garnish the dish with chopped basil leaves. This not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s serving just as delightful.
Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
This baked ziti features al dente pasta layered with a homemade meat sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning, topped with a creamy ricotta mixture and gooey mozzarella cheese. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, bring to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, heavy cream, and pecorino Romano. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe
This baked ziti swaps the meat for a hearty vegetable and lentil sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella. With plenty of flavor from garlic, herbs, and Italian seasoning, it’s a filling and comforting vegetarian dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetable Sauce: In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add onion, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until softened, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, lentils, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, heavy cream, and pecorino Romano until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a layer of vegetable-lentil sauce in a greased 13-inch baking dish. Add half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and a layer of mozzarella. Repeat with remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 430kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
Final Thoughts on Baked Ziti
This baked ziti casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings people together. With its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or enjoying it as leftovers, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures makes it one of the best baked ziti recipes to try.
So, the next time you’re looking for a hearty meal, remember this easy baked ziti recipe. It’s a surefire way to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
- Easy Spiced Fall Sangria Recipe for Your Autumn Harvest - August 22, 2025
- Best Pumpkin Spice Sangria Recipe for Your Fall Gatherings - August 22, 2025
- Easy Baked Ziti Pasta Casserole Recipe (for classic flavor) - August 22, 2025