Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Introduction
Baked ziti is a classic comfort-food pasta dish made with pasta, tomato sauce, creamy ricotta and melted cheese. Vito’s version combines ground beef, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, ricotta, mozzarella, Asiago and Fontina for a hearty, cheesy baked pasta recipe that’s perfect for family dinners.
Watch the Video
Watch Vito’s step-by-step video to see how he layers the pasta, cheese mixture and marinara sauce before baking the ziti until hot and golden.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10–20 minutes
Servings: Add verified serving size
Course: Main Course / Pasta
Cuisine: Italian-American
Difficulty: Easy
What Is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is an Italian-American baked pasta dish made by combining cooked ziti with tomato or marinara sauce, cheese and other ingredients before baking until hot and golden. The pasta absorbs the sauce while the cheese melts into a rich, comforting casserole.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Pasta and Sauce
- Ziti or other short pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Tomatoes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Granulated garlic
Cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Asiago cheese
- Fontina cheese
Meat and Vegetables
- Ground beef
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
How to Make Baked Ziti
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese and pre-cooked ground beef. Add chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach and the shredded cheeses. Season with salt, pepper and granulated garlic.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease an oven-safe baking dish and add a small layer of pasta to the bottom.
4. Layer the Baked Ziti
Add marinara sauce followed by the cheese and meat mixture. Continue layering the pasta, filling and marinara sauce until the ingredients are used.
5. Add the Cheese
Finish with mozzarella and the remaining cheese mixture for a melted, golden topping.
6. Bake
Bake at 350°F for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
7. Rest and Serve
Allow the baked ziti to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes the dish easier to portion.
What Does Baked Ziti Taste Like?
Baked ziti is rich, savory and cheesy, with tender pasta coated in marinara sauce and a creamy ricotta filling. In Vito’s version, ground beef adds savory depth while spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes add texture and freshness.
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Ground Beef
Ricotta gives this baked ziti a creamy texture, while ground beef adds a hearty savory flavor. Mozzarella, Asiago and Fontina melt throughout the layers, creating a rich and cheesy baked pasta dish.
Tips for Making Baked Ziti
- Cook the pasta al dente so it does not become too soft during baking.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting.
- Make sure every pasta layer has enough marinara sauce.
- Don’t overfill the baking dish.
- Cover the dish if the cheese begins browning too quickly.
- Let the baked ziti rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
Baked ziti works well as a complete main dish and can be served with:
Can Baked Ziti Be Made Ahead?
Yes. Baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. When ready to cook, bake until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is baked ziti?
Baked ziti is a baked pasta dish made with short pasta, tomato or marinara sauce, cheese and other ingredients. It is typically layered and baked until hot and bubbly.
Can I use another pasta instead of ziti?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni or another short tubular pasta can be used if ziti is unavailable.
Does baked ziti have ricotta cheese?
Many baked ziti recipes use ricotta cheese. Vito’s recipe includes ricotta as part of the creamy cheese mixture.
Can I make baked ziti without meat?
Yes. The ground beef can be omitted and additional vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms or zucchini can be used for a vegetarian version.
How long should baked ziti rest?
Allow the baked ziti to rest for approximately 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers settle before serving.
What temperature do you bake ziti at?
Vito’s recipe recommends baking the ziti at 350°F for approximately 40–50 minutes.
Notes
Deliciousness:
The taste is heavenly. The ziti absorbs the flavors of the tomato sauce, which can range from a simple marinara to a more complex meat-based sauce, adding depth and heartiness. The creamy cheese mixture creates a luscious contrast to the sauce’s acidity, while the crispy, golden cheese on top offers the perfect bite. The aromatic basil, garlic, and Italian herbs add a fragrance that makes every bite a burst of flavor.Nutritious Benefits:
Nutritionally, baked ziti can be a wholesome meal if made with the right ingredients. Whole-grain or whole-wheat ziti provides fiber and complex carbohydrates, which fuel your body with sustained energy. The tomato sauce is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which is great for heart health. Adding lean ground meat or turkey boosts the protein content, while cheeses contribute calcium and protein, essential for strong bones and muscles. Vegetarian versions packed with spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms add extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making baked ziti both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re indulging in a cheesy version or a lighter, veggie-packed one, baked ziti is a well-rounded, satisfying dish.