Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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Golden, cheesy, and bubbling from the oven—baked ziti is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly layered with tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this easy baked ziti recipe brings all the comfort of a classic Italian-American meal with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a make-ahead dinner for the week, this dish delivers big flavors with simple ingredients.

What makes this baked ziti especially great is its versatility. You can customize it to fit your preferences—add vegetables, swap beef for turkey or sausage, or keep it vegetarian. With its rich layers of flavor and that irresistible golden cheese topping, this is the kind of meal that disappears fast from the dinner table.

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Ingredients for Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for about 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

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Step 3: Add the Sauces and Seasoning

Once the meat is browned, pour in the marinara sauce and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully.

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Step 4: Preheat and Assemble

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with about 2/3 of the meat sauce. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining meat sauce at the bottom.

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Step 5: Layer the Ziti

Add half of the pasta mixture into the dish. Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over it, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, meat sauce, and the rest of the cheeses.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Easy Baked Ziti fresh and flavorful, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

If you’d like to freeze it, baked ziti is a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal. Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake covered at 350°F until hot and bubbly—about 30–40 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve—just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

2. What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

While both are layered pasta bakes with cheese and meat sauce, baked ziti uses tube-shaped pasta and skips the pasta sheets and bechamel sauce found in traditional lasagna.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just leave out the meat and use a chunky veggie marinara or add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for heartiness.

4. Can I use other cheeses?

Definitely. Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or add provolone, fontina, or gouda for variety.

5. How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?

Use enough sauce to keep it moist, and cover with foil while baking to lock in moisture before uncovering to brown the top.

6. Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?

Yes, any short tubular pasta will work just fine!

7. Is baked ziti good for potlucks or feeding a crowd?

It’s one of the best! Easy to make in large batches, sliceable, and always a crowd favorite.

8. How do I know when it’s done baking?

When the cheese is melted and bubbly with slightly golden edges, it’s ready. You can also check that the internal temp reaches 165°F for food safety.

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