Baked Ziti Recipe is loaded with tender ziti, a rich beef and tomato sauce, and layers of cheese baked until hot and bubbly.
author’s note
My Husband’s Dream Dinner
My husband loves a saucy tomato and beef or sausage pasta. It’s hands down his favorite kind of dinner. Anytime I make lasagna, he practically guards the leftovers with his life or packs them up right away for work the next day.
So when he randomly requested baked ziti one day, I knew this recipe had a lot to live up to. My husband almost never asks me to make specific dinners, so when he actually makes a request, I take it very seriously.
After months of testing and tweaking, it finally earned a spot here. When he tried my final version, he looked at me and said, “No joke, this is my dream meal.” Goal accomplished!
This baked ziti recipe is creamy, saucy, cheesy, and packed with deep, rich flavor. I can confidently say it’s the best baked ziti I’ve ever had.
Baked Ziti Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | Ziti is classic, but penne or rigatoni also work well if that’s what you have. Cook pasta 2 minutes under al dente since it finishes baking in the oven. |
| Ground beef & onion | I use lean (93/7) ground beef for less grease. |
| Garlic, fennel, basil, oregano, paprika, bouillon & seasonings | Don’t skip the crushed fennel. It gives that classic Italian sausage flavor without actually adding sausage! |
| Tomato paste, tomato sauce, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes & Worcestershire | Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth and make the sauce taste like it simmered all day. |
| Mascarpone, mozzarella & Parmesan | I use three cheeses in this baked ziti recipe for a reason: mozzarella for that melty texture, Parmesan for flavor, and mascarpone for an extra creamy finish. |
Featured Comment
“Once again you have perfected the balance of flavors — creamy, spicy, meaty, cheesy & savory, all combined for the reliable comfort food. We loved it!”
– Pam
How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and keep nearby.
- Brown Meat: Sauté onion, cook beef, then mix in seasonings and aromatics.
- Make Sauce: Add tomato ingredients and simmer until rich and slightly thickened.
- Layer: Toss pasta with sauce. Layer with cheeses and remaining sauce in baking dish.
- Bake: Cover and bake, uncover and add more cheese, then bake until hot, bubbly, and melted.
the cook’s Notes
My Top Tips
- Shred your own cheese: It melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Use a deep dish: A deeper 9×13-inch pan helps prevent overflow.
- Cover: Foil keeps this baked ziti recipe saucy and prevents it from drying out.
- Taste the sauce: Tomato brands vary, so adjust with extra salt or a pinch more sugar if needed.
What To Serve With Baked Ziti Recipe
- Garlic bread or French bread (reliable for soaking up sauce!)
- Italian salad with a zippy vinaigrette
- Bruschetta as a starter
- Roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli
- Caprese salad for something fresh and bright on the side
Storage
Leftovers: Store leftover baked ziti recipe in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth if needed to bring back the sauce.
Make ahead: Make the meat sauce, grate the cheese, and boil the pasta ahead of time. Assemble before baking, then add 10 to 15 extra minutes to the covered bake time.
Freeze: Cook pasta slightly under al dente and toss with a little oil before assembling. Assemble with completely cooled layers, but stop before the final cheese layer. Cover tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw & bake: Thaw in the fridge 24 hours. Bake covered at 350°F for 25 minutes, uncover, add cheese, and bake 10 minutes more. Thawing is best for texture.
More Comfort Food:
Dinner
Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Dinner
slow cooker Roast Recipe
Soups And Stews
Creamy Vegetable Soup
Beef
Beef Stroganoff
