Comfort Food Baked Ziti

Name: Comfort Food Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Hearty Favorites

I absolutely love making Baked Ziti for cozy nights in. It’s such a fulfilling and comforting dish that warms the soul. The blend of cheeses, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a melty, delicious experience that everyone around the table enjoys. What I adore most about this recipe is its versatility; you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. It’s a wonderful dish to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:37:35.854Z

When I first tried making Baked Ziti, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so delightful. The layers of flavors, from the rich tomato sauce to the creamy ricotta, made my kitchen feel like an Italian trattoria. With my family gathered around, we dug into the dish and the smiles said it all.

Over time, I’ve perfected my method by layering in different cheeses and using fresh herbs. I also discovered that letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s little tips like this that elevate a classic dish to something truly extraordinary.

Why You Will Love Baked Ziti
Rich layers of cheese that create a satisfying melt
Hearty and comforting, perfect for any occasion
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or meats

The Perfect Pasta

Selecting the right pasta is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in Baked Ziti. Ziti, with its tubular shape, holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is loaded with flavor. When cooking the pasta, be careful not to overcook it; al dente pasta will absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. Aim for a cooking time that’s about one to two minutes less than what the package suggests, as it will continue to cook while baking.

Another important tip is to reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. Adding a splash of this starchy water to the meat sauce can enhance its creaminess and help it cling to the pasta more effectively. This technique not only improves the overall flavor but also keeps the dish from becoming dry.

Layering for Success

When assembling the Baked Ziti, the order in which you layer your ingredients can significantly impact the final outcome. Start with a thin layer of meat sauce to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the baking dish. I typically use a 9x13-inch baking dish, which allows for good layering while providing enough surface area for the edges to get that deliciously bubbly texture.

Don’t skimp on the cheese layers! Using a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives a rich and layered flavor profile. I like to mix some of the mozzarella into the ricotta filling to create a cheesy core that melts beautifully. Just remember to save enough cheese for the top layer to achieve that golden, bubbling crust.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the great things about Baked Ziti is its ability to be made ahead of time. You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an additional 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights or entertaining.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Baked Ziti also freezes quite well; just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe dish. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until heated through for the best texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful Baked Ziti.

Main Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Comfort Food Baked Ziti.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.

Assemble the Ziti

In a large baking dish, start by layering half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the pasta. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta, add half of the mozzarella, then repeat the layers.

Bake the Ziti

Top the final layer with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Baked Ziti!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Ingredient Substitutions

This Baked Ziti recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For a vegetarian option, simply swap the ground meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you're looking for a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat ziti or gluten-free pasta as a direct substitute.

If you prefer a lighter cheese option, try using part-skim ricotta or mozzarella. Additionally, for those watching their sodium intake, look for low-sodium marinara sauces and reduced-fat cheese varieties. These swaps won’t sacrifice flavor, ensuring a deliciously satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ziti is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread elevates the dining experience. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice complements the richness of the pasta without overwhelming the palate. Alternatively, a Caesar salad adds a nice crunch and additional flavor contrast.

For added flavor, consider serving your Baked Ziti with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic reduction before serving. Freshly grated Parmesan over the top right before serving also adds a wonderful finishing touch that enhances the overall dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or even a vegan cream cheese for a different flavor.

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.