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Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti Recipe

This Baked Ziti Recipe is the perfect comfort food—cheesy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. It’s an easy-to-make pasta dish that’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With layers of ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, it delivers everything you want in a warm, home-cooked meal. You only need simple ingredients and under an hour from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this baked ziti hits the mark every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American-Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients for Baked Ziti Recipe
  • 🔸 For the Pasta and Sauce :
  • 12 oz ziti pasta or penne
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 🔸 For the Cheese Mixture :
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg helps bind the cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping

Notes

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe

1. Boil the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add ziti and cook until al dente (firm to bite), about 8–10 minutes.
  • Drain and set aside. Drizzle a little olive oil so it doesn't stick.

2. Cook the Meat Sauce

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Sauté chopped onion until soft (about 3–4 minutes).
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.
  • Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  • Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Cheese Layer

  • In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.
  • Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Dish

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
  • Add half of the cooked pasta.
  • Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over pasta and spread gently.
  • Add more meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella.
  • Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella.

5. Bake

  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Rest and Serve

  • Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.