Baked Ziti

This easy Baked Ziti recipe is perfect for busy weeknight meals yet impressive enough for entertaining. It’s packed with tender pasta, a flavorful meat and tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. This hearty, comforting dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

This homemade baked ziti recipe is one I return to again and again. It’s a comforting, family-friendly pasta casserole loaded with rich Italian flavors and plenty of tomatoes for that classic homemade taste. I especially love that it can be assembled ahead of time and chilled until you’re ready to bake. In fact, the savory herbs and tomatoes seem to become even more robust when the dish is prepared in advance.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Baked Ziti with sausage: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta – One pound box of ziti for the pasta layer.
• Protein – A combination of lean ground beef and Italian sausage expands the flavor profile.
• Oil – Olive oil for sauteeeing the onion and meats.
• Onion – Onion complements the flavor of the sauce.
• Spices – Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, granulated garlic, onion powder and crushed red pepper flakes,
• Soft Cheese – Ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture to the layers.
• Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite brand of marinara sauce.
• Cheese – Finely grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese or a bag of Italian blend cheese for the melty cheese layer.

How to Make the Best Baked Ziti Recipe

This is an extremely flavorful baked ziti. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage plus the seasoning blend that’s reminiscent of meatballs adds so much dimension and depth if flavor to the dish overall.

• Heat Oven and Prepare Dish – Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
• Boil Ziti – Cook ziti in salted water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• Sauté Onion – Cook onion over medium heat, just until softened.
• Season Beef and Sausage – In a large bowl season ground beef and Italian sausage with 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic, onion powder and red pepper flakes.
• Cook Meats – Add beef-sausage mixture to onion in pot, cooking over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the pan.
• Add Marinara Sauce – Add marinara sauce and ziti to pot, Mix until evenly coated.
• Assemble – Layer ziti mixture with ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Cheese – Sprinkle the top with reserved 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese.
• Oven – Bake per the baking time in the recipe until bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta

• 13×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Large pot or Dutch oven to make the sauce.
• Pasta pot for boiling the ziti.
• Knife and cutting board.
• Cheese grater.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Don’t Overcook the Ziti – When cooking the ziti take care not to overcook it to start with and it will maintain its integrity when baking.
• Protein – You can use ground chicken or ground turkey for the meat sauce. You can also use equal parts of Italian sausage and ground beef. You can also make this ziti casserole using only beef or only sausage. If you use a lean ground beef there will be less excess fat to drain from the pot before adding the remaining ingredients.
• Use a Quality Jarred Marinara Sauce – The flavor of this dish is tied to the marinara sauce used. Use your favorite homemade marinara or store-bought brand and you’ll be good to go.
• Shred Your Own Cheese – I highly recommend taking the time to use a block of mozzarella cheese and grate it yourself. It melts more easily and the flavor of freshly grated cheese is superior.
• Spice – There is just the very slightest hint of spice in the sauce as written in the recipe. If you’d like to turn up the heat add more red pepper flakes and use spicy Italian sausage.
• Parmesan Cheese – I like to use fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese but you can use whatever variety you like. Pecorino Romano would also be fantastic.
• How Long Do You Cook Baked Ziti? This recipe will take 40-45 minutes to bake. It should be bubbly around the edge, heated through and the cheese fully melted and beginning to brown.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – This Baked Ziti can be fully assembled one day in advance and chilled. When doing so, allow 15-20 minutes on the counter prior to baking or lengthen the baking time to accommodate.
• Leftovers – Keep any leftover baked ziti in the fridge covered with foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat any leftovers in the oven covered with foil just until warmed through or you can just microwave individual portions in the microwave.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. thaw in the refrigerator and reheat just before serving.

Southern Style Side Dishes to Serve with Baked Ziti

There are so many options here that you can serve along with baked ziti to make it a complete meal. Some side dish recipes you may like to try:

• Seven Layer Salad can be assembled in advance and chilled until you’re ready to eat.
• Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart Rolls are perfectly shareable.
• While the ziti bakes, put together this fresh Caprese Salad.
• Roasted Panko Parmesan Broccoli is topped with an easy crumb topping that bakes crispy and golden.
• A loaf of Cheesy Garlic Bread is always a classic side for Italian food.
• Green Bean Casserole would be a delicious option.
• Bake a batch of Texas Roadhouse Rolls to sop up the delicious sauce.
• Crispy Fried Zucchini in an air fryer is perfection dipped in a side of warm pizza sauce.
• Marinated Italian Vegetable Salad from Iowa Girl Eats.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Baking Dish
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board