Best Ever Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food casserole—a cheesy, saucy, baked pasta dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend bake together into bubbling perfection. It’s everything you want in a cozy dinner and ideal for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck.

What Makes This Dish Special?

This baked ziti delivers on both flavor and texture. The combination of marinara and meat sauce brings bold, hearty depth, while the three-cheese filling adds creaminess and richness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that rivals lasagna in taste but is easier and faster to assemble. Plus, it’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, making it a perfect prep-ahead dinner.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole

In a large baking dish, layer as follows:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom
Half of the cooked pasta
Half of the ricotta mixture
Half of the mozzarella
Repeat with remaining pasta, ricotta, and meat sauce
Top with the rest of the mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan over everything

5. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Extra Creamy: Mix 1/2 cup of sour cream into the ricotta layer.
White Sauce Twist: Swap the marinara for Alfredo or a béchamel for a creamy baked ziti.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet for cooking meat
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 470
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish before baking or after fully cooked. Thaw and reheat in oven.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until hot.

My Cooking Experience

Baked Ziti has saved me more times than I can count—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for company but takes very little effort. I love how flexible it is: some nights I go all-in with meat, other times I sneak in extra veggies. Either way, it always disappears fast, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.

Conclusion

Best Ever Baked Ziti is a classic for good reason—it’s rich, flavorful, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a gathering, or just craving a cheesy pasta bake, this recipe delivers every single time. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.

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