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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-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta (ziti or penne) cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef or sausage optional, browned
  • 2 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. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs if desired. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Layer half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Top with half of the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the pasta.
  7. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the sauce, then sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat the layering process: add remaining pasta, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
  9. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  11. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing the layers to set and making it easier to slice.
  12. 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.