The Best Baked Ziti – Recipe Card
The Best Baked Ziti is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food casserole! Layered with hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this baked pasta dish is pure perfection. Ready in just 1 hour, it's the perfect family dinner for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, this Baked Ziti is freezer-friendly, make-ahead ready, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Serve with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (for meat sauce)
- 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar 3-quart casserole dish)
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater (for grating fresh cheese)
- Aluminum foil (for covering the casserole)
- Can opener
- Whisk (for mixing ricotta)
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli)
- Salt for the pasta water
For the Meat Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- ½ lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for sweetness)
For the Ricotta Mixture
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente—about 2-3 minutes less than the package directions. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so undercooking it slightly prevents a mushy texture.Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. A drizzle of olive oil can help prevent sticking if you're not adding it to the sauce immediately.Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
While the pasta is boiling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. If using balsamic vinegar, add it now.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it bubble gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and fresh parsley (if using). Mix until well combined. Set aside.Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking and adds flavor to the bottom layer.Layer half of the cooked pasta on top of the sauce. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.Add half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer, followed by the remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the meat sauce.Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the Baked Ziti rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes for easier serving.Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread and a side salad.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Cook pasta to just al dente. This is the single most important tip for perfect Baked Ziti! The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so if you start with fully cooked pasta, you'll end up with a mushy casserole. Cook the pasta 2-3 minutes less than the package directions.
- Season in layers. Season the meat sauce as it cooks and taste before assembling. Layered seasoning creates a more complex, satisfying flavor.
- Use full-fat ricotta. Whole milk ricotta gives you the creamiest, richest Baked Ziti. Part-skim versions contain more water and can make the casserole watery.
- Don't skip the egg in the ricotta mixture. The egg helps bind the ricotta together, preventing it from becoming too loose when baked.
- Let it rest before serving. Allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes helps the layers set and makes for cleaner, more beautiful servings.
- Make extra sauce. Everyone always wants more sauce! Consider making extra if you're feeding a crowd or love extra sauce.