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Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comforting casserole made by layering cooked pasta with a cheesy tomato sauce, then baking until bubbling and golden. The dish features a hearty, gooey texture with melted cheese on top, creating a warm, inviting meal perfect for leftovers or busy weeknights. Its layered appearance and crispy cheese crust make it as appealing to look at as it is to eat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta (ziti, traditionally used for baked ziti, or penne) cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef or sausage optional, browned
  • 3 cups tomato sauce marinara or your favorite
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking meat and drizzling
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumb topping optional, toasted with garlic and butter

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

  1. Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain
  2. Brown ground beef or sausage in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg until smooth.
  4. Grease a baking dish with olive oil,
  5. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the dish.
  6. For the breadcrumb topping, toast the breadcrumbs in butter or olive oil until golden and crispy before sprinkling them on top of the ziti.
  7. Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional toasted breadcrumbs.
  8. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the cheesy, saucy comfort of this baked ziti.

Notes

For a lighter version, omit breadcrumbs or use gluten-free pasta. Feel free to add cooked vegetables or extra herbs for more flavor. Resting the dish before serving helps it hold its shape better.