Introduction
The kitchen smelled like Sunday—garlic sizzling, tomatoes warming, and cheese beginning to melt. I always reach for a big spoon when I make Easy Baked Ziti; the first lift of a bubbly piece makes everyone at the table grin. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. If you need more weeknight winners, try our quick, easy recipes for fast inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This
- Uses pantry staples and feeds a crowd easily.
- Kid-approved and great for meal prep.
- Budget-friendly when you swap ground beef for sausage.
- Comforting, cheesy, and simple to pull together.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30–35 minutes
- Total time: 45–50 minutes
- Skill level: Easy
- Taste: Savory + cheesy, slightly herbaceous
This recipe is forgiving, so you can relax while it bakes and still get a dependable, cozy dinner. For more ideas like this, see our collection of quick, easy recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ziti pasta — cook to al dente
- Marinara sauce — jarred or homemade
- Ricotta cheese — creamy binder
- Mozzarella cheese — shredded, for melt
- Parmesan cheese — grated, for nutty finish
- Ground beef or Italian sausage — your choice
- Fresh garlic — minced, brightens the sauce
- Italian seasoning — earthy blend
- Rosemary — a sprig, finely chopped
Chef notes: Fresh garlic = bigger flavor. Use whole-milk ricotta for richness. Swap rosemary for basil if you prefer. For pantry ideas, check our pantry staples guide.
How to Make It
- First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a 9×13 baking dish ready.
- Then, cook the ziti until just al dente according to the package; drain and set aside. You want a bit of bite.
- Next, heat a skillet and brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the garlic; listen for a steady sizzle and smell the meat turn savory.
- Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, and rosemary; simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the aroma opens up.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the meat sauce, and dollops of ricotta; mix until coated and creamy.
- Spread half the mixture into the baking dish, then scatter half the mozzarella and parmesan over it; you’ll see a white, cheesy layer ready to melt.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, sprinkle the rest of the cheeses on top, and slide into the oven. Bake 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top gets golden edges.
- Finally, let it rest 5 minutes; the ziti will set and you can scoop neat portions.
If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes. For more weeknight pasta ideas, visit our quick weeknight pasta ideas.
Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)
- Time-saver: Use pre-shredded cheeses and a jarred marinara to cut prep time in half.
- Common mistake + fix: Don’t overcook the pasta; undercooked ziti will finish perfectly in the oven.
- Simple variation: Swap rosemary for fresh basil and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving Ideas
- Weeknight supper: Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
- Casual dinner party: Pair with roasted vegetables and a simple lemon vinaigrette.
- Make it brunch-worthy: Reheat slices and top with a fried egg.
- Holiday twist: Add roasted mushrooms and extra parmesan for richness.
Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley, and offer extra grated parmesan at the table. For complementary sides, see our easy side dishes.
Storing & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven 15–20 minutes, covered, to preserve texture.
Leftover idea: Turn slices into a hearty baked ziti sandwich with extra sauce and toasted bread.
Easy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a 9×13 baking dish ready.
- Cook the ziti until just al dente according to the package; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the minced garlic.
- Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, and rosemary; simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the meat sauce, and dollops of ricotta; mix until coated and creamy.
- Spread half the mixture into the baking dish, then scatter half the mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture and sprinkle the rest of the cheeses on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top gets golden edges.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the ziti to set.
Notes
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze Easy Baked Ziti?
A: Absolutely. Freeze before baking for best texture, then bake from thawed or add extra time if baking from frozen.
Q: What’s a good substitution for ricotta?
A: Cottage cheese blended smooth or mascarpone work in a pinch.
Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: The cheese should be bubbly and edges golden; the sauce will bubble up around the sides.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe becomes one of those dishes you turn to when you want comfort without fuss. It’s simple, honest, and forgiving—just the kind of recipe I keep in heavy rotation. Give it a try, tweak the herbs, and make it your own. Easy Baked Ziti.
Conclusion
For a classic, tested version, check this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe that inspired many home cooks. If you want tips on elevating cheese and baking technique, read the Easy Baked Ziti Recipe (Our Best-Ever!) | The Kitchn.
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