Best Ever Baked Ziti Cozy, Quick Dinner for Busy Nights

Looking for a warm, hearty dinner that feeds a crowd and still feels like home? This Best Ever Baked Ziti hits that mark. It’s gooey, saucy, and full of cheesy comfort with a slight herb lift from fresh basil. The pasta bakes into tender tubes bathed in tomato sauce and melted cheeses creamy pockets of ricotta and long pulls of mozzarella make every bite satisfying.

Top reasons to make this: it’s a true crowd-pleaser, uses simple pantry staples, and is great for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. If you like short-cuts and big flavor, this dish delivers and if you want a quick kitchen tip while you cook, check out this helpful guide on egg wash for bagels to keep up other baking basics: best egg wash for bagels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready for the oven in about 30 minutes of hands-on time
• Uses pantry staples and easy cheese blends
• Feeds a family or makes great leftovers
• Comforting, cheesy, and simple to scale up

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 4 cups marinara sauce (use your favorite jarred or homemade)
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained
• Fresh basil, to taste (chopped or torn for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions of Best Ever Baked Ziti

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package time). Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the onion in olive oil over medium heat until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan, break it up, and cook until no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir the marinara sauce into the meat and simmer 3–5 minutes to blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
7. Spoon half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a light layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the remaining ziti, then top with the remaining cheeses.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. If you like a crispier top, broil 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
9. Let rest 5–10 minutes after removing from oven. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
   

   

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta it will finish cooking in the oven and stay firm.
• Use whole-milk ricotta for creamier texture.
• Drain cooked meat well to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Substitutions & Variations of Best Ever Baked Ziti

• To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ziti and swap ricotta for a tofu or cashew-based ricotta; use vegan mozzarella and a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
• Variations: Stir in sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra veg. Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or sliced pepperoni for a spicy twist. Add a spoonful of pesto before baking for a flavor boost.

Storage Instructions of Best Ever Baked Ziti

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freezer: Freeze whole or individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake from cold, adding about 10–15 minutes to the time, or let sit at room temp 20 minutes then bake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Best Ever Baked Ziti

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Rigatoni, penne, or most tube-shaped pastas work well pick one that holds sauce.

Do I have to pre-cook the pasta?
It’s best to boil it until almost al dente. No-cook methods exist, but pre-cooking gives the best texture.

Can I make this ahead and freeze before baking?
Yes assemble, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake covered from frozen at 375°F, adding 20–30 minutes, then uncover to brown.

Final Toughts

This Best Ever Baked Ziti is an easy, comforting meal that fits weeknight life and casual gatherings. The creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and bright basil come together for a simple dish that keeps well and pleases picky eaters and guests alike. If you try it, leave a comment and a star rating I’d love to hear how your family liked it!

Best Ever Baked Ziti

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A warm, hearty baked ziti dish that’s gooey, saucy, and full of cheesy comfort, ideal for busy weeknights and entertaining.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained
• Fresh basil, to taste (chopped or torn for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package time). Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the onion in olive oil over medium heat until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan, break it up, and cook until no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir the marinara sauce into the meat and simmer 3–5 minutes to blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
7. Spoon half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a light layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the remaining ziti, then top with the remaining cheeses.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispier top, watching closely.
9. Let rest 5–10 minutes after removing from oven. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta; use whole-milk ricotta for a creamier texture. Drain cooked meat well to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: None