Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian‑American comfort dish made with tube‑shaped pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and a bubbly golden top. It is one of the best easy pasta casseroles for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep because it can be assembled ahead and baked when you are ready to eat.

Baked Ziti Recipe (Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake)

This Baked Ziti recipe uses simple pantry ingredients—ziti or penne pasta, ground beef or Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella—to create a lasagna‑style casserole without the extra layering work. It serves 8–10 people and fits perfectly in a 9×13‑inch dish or large foil pan like in the photo.

Ingredients

For the pasta and meat sauce

1 lb ziti or penne pasta
1 lb ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24–28 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (optional for extra sauciness)
1–2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the cheese mixture and topping

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, well drained)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg (optional, for a firmer layer)
2–3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add ziti and cook until just shy of al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than package directions). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so undercooking slightly keeps it from getting mushy.
Drain and toss with a small splash of olive oil to prevent sticking; set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, cook ground beef/sausage over medium‑high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
Drain excess fat if needed, then add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes (if using).
Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 10–15 minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens slightly.

A slightly thick, flavorful sauce clings better to the pasta and keeps the baked ziti from becoming watery.