Cheesy, hearty, and perfect for sharing—your new favorite baked ziti recipe!
When comfort food cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like a bubbling pan of baked ziti. This recipe brings together tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese for a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, baked ziti is always a winning choice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (about 24 ounces) marinara sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add Marinara & Season: Pour in the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Cook the Ziti: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti noodles and cook until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Stir until well blended.
- Combine Noodles & Sauce: Reserve about 1 cup of meat sauce for topping. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the cheese mixture and the remaining meat sauce until evenly coated.
- Layer & Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a spoonful of reserved sauce on the bottom a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Now pour in half of the ziti mixture. Spoon half of the reserved sauce over it.
- Add the remaining ziti.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if you like.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is perfect with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For a fun twist, serve it in individual ramekins for dinner parties or bring it to a potluck—just keep it warm until serving.
Tips & Variations
- Mix up the meat: Try Italian sausage or ground turkey instead of beef.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed bake.
- Make ahead: Assemble the ziti up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Cheese swap: Use provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
