Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

If you are craving a dish that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and delivers warm, cheesy satisfaction in every bite, then Classic Baked Ziti is your new best friend. This timeless Italian-American casserole perfectly balances zesty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all layered with tender pasta to create a heartwarming meal that feels homemade in the best way possible. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s loved by all ages and sure to become a staple on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a truly delicious Classic Baked Ziti, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just the essentials that bring vibrant flavor, hearty texture, and melty cheesy goodness to every forkful.

• Olive oil: For sautéing your meat and onions, imparting a subtle fruity richness.
• Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture.
• Onion: Offers gentle sweetness and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Packs a punch of flavor that enhances every component of the dish.
• Crushed tomatoes: The hearty base for your robust and tangy meat sauce.
• Tomato sauce: Smooths out and thickens the sauce with classic tomato flavor.
• Water or beef broth: Adds body to the sauce without overpowering the flavor.
• Dried oregano and basil: Bring that signature Italian herb fragrance that defines this recipe.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to brighten and balance the overall flavor.
• Ziti pasta (or rigatoni): Perfect tubular pasta that holds the sauce beautifully inside.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and dreamy, giving each bite smoothness and richness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder in the cheese mixture to keep it perfectly set once baked.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty punch within the cheese filling and on top for garnish.
• Fresh parsley: Lends a fresh, herbal brightness to cut through the richness.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melty layer that makes Classic Baked Ziti irresistibly gooey.

How to Make Classic Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking thoroughly while breaking the meat up so it browns evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent—this step unlocks natural sweetness. Toss in garlic and let it sizzle briefly until fragrant, then pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the water or beef broth. Stir in oregano, basil, and season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently over low heat with the lid on for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to build a deeply flavorful base for your baked ziti.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your meat sauce is developing its richness, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—firm yet tender, so it will hold up beautifully through baking. Drain well to avoid sogginess and set aside, ready for layering.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until perfectly smooth and well blended. This luscious mixture will add a creamy texture and fresh herbal notes inside your layers of baked goodness.

Step 4: Assemble the Classic Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly. Start by spreading about one cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom—this creates a flavorful foundation and prevents sticking. Half of the cooked pasta goes on next, followed by spoonfuls of your ricotta mixture, creating pockets of creamy delight. Sprinkle one-third of your shredded mozzarella over the cheese for that gooey pull. Layer half of the remaining meat sauce on top, then repeat with the rest of the pasta and sauce. Finally, cover everything generously with the rest of the mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan if you like for a golden, savory crust.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to gently marry all those incredible flavors together. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and has turned a beautiful golden brown, signaling that it’s ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow your Classic Baked Ziti to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking so it firms up just enough to slice beautifully without falling apart. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a lift of freshness before serving.

How to Serve Classic Baked Ziti

Garnishes

A simple garnish of fresh parsley adds a vibrant green hue and subtle herbal brightness, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheeses. Grated Parmesan sprinkled on top right before serving adds an extra layer of savory depth that every bite will thank you for.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, pair your Classic Baked Ziti with a crisp garden salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad for a classic touch. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus complement the hearty pasta wonderfully, providing freshness and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Classic Baked Ziti in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to wow guests with personalized portions. You can even layer it into a deep-dish bread bowl for an edible serving vessel that’s as delicious as it is unique. No matter how you present it, this dish will always steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Baked Ziti keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through, enjoying the comforting flavors just like the first time.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. To preserve texture, freeze before baking or after baking and cooling completely. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated Classic Baked Ziti in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly inside. For stovetop lovers, heating in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water can also rejuvenate the pasta beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta if I don’t have ziti?

Absolutely! Rigatoni, penne, or even tubular pasta like cavatappi work well because their shape holds sauce perfectly, just like ziti, making your Classic Baked Ziti just as delicious.

Is it necessary to include meat in the sauce?

Not at all! You can skip the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to create a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and satisfying.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh when ready; you might need to add extra baking time if chilled.

What cheese can I substitute if I cannot find ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a good substitute, especially if you blend it smooth before mixing. For a creamier option, mascarpone can also work beautifully.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?

Pre-shredded mozzarella is fine but fresh mozzarella will give you a creamier, meltier texture. If using pre-shredded, just be aware it might not melt as uniformly.

Final Thoughts

Classic Baked Ziti is the kind of recipe that wraps you in a cozy hug after a long day and brings loved ones around the table with smiles. Its comforting layers of meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta are proof that simple ingredients can create spectacular magic. I encourage you to dive in and try making this timeless dish yourself — it’s sure to become your go-to comfort food whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up.