Name: Classic Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If there’s one dish that radiates weeknight comfort and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s Classic Baked Ziti. Imagine the perfect balance of saucy noodles, savory meat, and layers of bubbling cheese—all brought together into one irresistible bake. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or just craving something wonderfully hearty, this classic pasta bake will win everyone over and keep them coming back for more.

Classic Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready for a short and sweet list of essentials! Every ingredient in Classic Baked Ziti plays a key part, from the chewy pasta to the melty cheese, the rich tomato sauce, and that sprinkling of fresh herbs. Let’s make sure you have everything you need for big flavor in every bite.

Ziti Pasta: The ultimate tubular noodle for capturing all those saucy and cheesy bits in every forkful.
Olive Oil: Just a splash unlocks richness and ensures the meat cooks up beautifully without sticking.
Italian Sausage or Ground Beef: Adds depth and hearty protein; use your favorite or make a combo for extra flavor.
Onion: Diced small so it melts into the sauce, contributing sweetness and savoriness.
Garlic: Three cloves really wake up the sauce with their aromatic punch.
Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can): These create the saucy base and give the dish its signature texture.
Tomato Sauce (15 oz can): Adds richness and blends everything together for a velvety finish.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes the sauce taste authentically Italian, no fuss required.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and sharpness to balance the richness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat if you like a little kick with your comfort food.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and perfect for finishing the top with a golden touch.
Ricotta Cheese: Delivers creaminess and classic Italian comfort in every bite.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The true star for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull you crave.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A final sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Classic Baked Ziti

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Add your ziti pasta and cook until just al dente. This way, it’ll soak up even more flavor while baking and won’t end up mushy. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside—you’re on your way to pasta perfection!

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics

Warm the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Crumble in your Italian sausage or ground beef and let it cook, stirring as you go, until it’s deeply browned and deliciously fragrant. Add the diced onion and keep cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, letting everything soften and mingle. Toss in the garlic and stir for one more minute to unlock that irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and those bold red pepper flakes if you want some zest. Let it all simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, giving it an occasional stir. This is where the flavors really bloom and come together, infusing your Classic Baked Ziti with homemade warmth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Sauce

Grab a large bowl, then mix your cooked ziti with half the luscious meat sauce, all the rich ricotta, and half the shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is harmoniously combined—this step ensures every bite gets a perfect balance of saucy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the remaining sauce along the bottom. Spoon in your pasta mixture next, piling it high and even. Finish with the rest of the sauce, and top generously with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan for that signature golden crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop your dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25–30 minutes. When you see the cheese bubbling energetically and the top turning gorgeously golden, you’ll know it’s ready. Let the ziti rest for 5–10 minutes once it comes out of the oven—this helps the layers set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Classic Baked Ziti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley isn’t just a garnish—it delivers a pop of freshness and color that makes your Classic Baked Ziti look as inviting as it tastes. If you love a cheesy finish, a little extra Parmesan is always welcome at the table!

Side Dishes

Balance all that cozy richness with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside garlicky breadsticks for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of steamed broccoli makes a great addition too, since their vibrancy brightens up your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, divide your Classic Baked Ziti into individual ramekins or mini skillets—everyone will love having their own bubbly portion. You can even layer in some sautéed veggies for extra color, or add a swipe of pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a modern, fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, cover any leftover Classic Baked Ziti tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and makes excellent next-day lunches—the flavors deepen as it sits!

Freezing

Looking for a stress-free dinner solution? Assemble the ziti right up to the baking stage, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed for bubbling, cheesy perfection.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, simply reheat portions in the microwave until piping hot, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven. If the pasta looks a bit dry, sprinkle over a tablespoon or two of water or sauce before reheating to keep it creamy and moist.

FAQs

Can I make Classic Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is practically designed for advance prep. Just assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It even tastes better as the flavors meld together overnight.

What’s the best meat for Classic Baked Ziti?

Both Italian sausage and ground beef are fantastic—sausage gives you extra flavor and a hint of spice, while beef is a classic option if you’re after a milder, meaty bite. Feel free to use half of each for the best of both worlds.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes! Simply skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers instead. You’ll still get a hearty, satisfying bake that everyone will enjoy.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If ricotta isn’t your thing or you don’t have it on hand, cottage cheese is a fantastic stand-in—it keeps things creamy and welcoming in the finished dish. Just use the same amount as you would ricotta.

How do I know when Classic Baked Ziti is done baking?

Keep an eye on that cheese! When the top is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling eagerly, it’s ready. Let it rest briefly before slicing so everything stays perfectly layered and easy to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug, give Classic Baked Ziti a spot on your weekly menu. It’s easy, make-ahead friendly, and flat-out delicious—so don’t be surprised when your family asks for it again and again. Gather your ingredients and start layering up a big pan of comfort tonight!

Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting Classic Baked Ziti recipe that features layers of ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. A family favorite that’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Ziti Pasta:

1 pound ziti pasta

Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Mixture:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Pasta: Boil ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown sausage or beef in olive oil, add onion, garlic, tomatoes, sauce, seasonings, and simmer.
Combine Ingredients: Mix pasta with half of the sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella.
Assemble: Layer sauce, pasta mixture, remaining sauce, and top with cheeses.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, garnish with basil or parsley if desired.