There’s nothing quite like a hearty dish of baked ziti to bring everyone to the dinner table. With its layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I first fell in love with baked ziti during a family trip to an Italian restaurant in New York City. Since then, I’ve perfected my own version, and it’s become a staple for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Let me show you why this baked ziti is truly the best.
Why You'll Love This Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food recipe. This baked ziti is loaded with flavor, easy to prepare, and a surefire crowd-pleaser.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and nearly foolproof. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dinner that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.
It’s also a make-ahead dream. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or planning a dinner party, this baked ziti can be assembled in advance and baked when you’re ready to serve.
What really sets this recipe apart is its perfectly balanced flavor. The combination of savory marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella creates layers of taste and texture that are hard to resist.
Finally, this baked ziti is family-friendly and customizable. You can adapt it to suit picky eaters or enhance it with your favorite ingredients. It’s versatile, delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this baked ziti lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ziti pasta is the foundation of this dish. Its tubular shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. While ziti is traditional, you can substitute penne or rigatoni if needed.
Marinara sauce is the heart of the recipe. Use a high-quality store-bought brand, or make your own for an extra-special touch. The sauce brings the rich tomato flavor that ties the whole dish together.
Ricotta cheese adds a creamy, luscious texture to the ziti layers. For the best results, use whole-milk ricotta—it’s richer and more flavorful than lower-fat options.
Mozzarella cheese is essential for that gooey, melty topping everyone loves. Shred your own mozzarella if possible; it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Parmesan cheese is the final touch, adding a nutty, salty flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best.
For the protein, you can include ground beef, Italian sausage, or even a combination of both. These meats provide a hearty, savory base that makes the dish even more satisfying.
How To Make This Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

Making baked ziti is as easy as layering your favorite ingredients and letting the oven do the work. Follow these steps for a flawless result every time.
Start by cooking the ziti pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare your protein. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef or sausage, and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended.
To assemble the dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the cooked meat, and a generous layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a final topping of marinara and the remaining shredded mozzarella.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Storage Options
Baked ziti is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to store it properly.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F.
For longer storage, baked ziti can be frozen. Wrap the dish tightly in aluminum foil or place portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
If you’re making the ziti ahead of time, you can assemble it completely, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about baked ziti is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own.
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. These add texture and flavor while keeping the dish hearty.
If you’re looking to lighten it up, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella or swap out half of the pasta for cooked spaghetti squash.
To give the dish a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular.
For an extra cheesy version, mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella directly with the pasta before layering. You’ll get even more cheesy goodness in every bite.
Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to suit your taste. Fresh basil, oregano, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor even further.
No matter how you make it, this baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your home. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best baked ziti ever!
PrintBest Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
This best baked ziti recipe combines tender ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and layers of melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add half the pasta mixture, another layer of sauce, and repeat.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add fresh basil or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of dish
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
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