A hearty, cheesy, and creamy baked ziti layered with rich meat sauce and bubbling mozzarella.
Introduction
Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like baked ziti. With its indulgent layers of pasta, gooey cheese, and rich meat sauce, baked ziti is a crowd-pleasing classic perfect for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or casual gatherings. This dish combines the best of lasagna and pasta casserole into one easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re feeding a group or prepping meals ahead, this baked ziti recipe is a satisfying and flavorful option.
In this in-depth article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect baked ziti from scratch. From the best ingredients and step-by-step instructions to essential tips for prepping and storing, you’ll find everything required to master this dish.
 Ingredients (Serves 8)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mix of sweet and hot)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (25 oz) jar pasta sauce
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons sugar
For the Pasta Mixture:
- 1 box (16 oz) ziti pasta
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For Assembly:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dish bakes evenly.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking apart with a spoon as it browns.
- Once browned, add diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté until tender (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and pasta sauce.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and sugar.
- Stir well and let simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to thicken.
4. Prepare the Pasta Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil.
- Mix well, then stir in 1–2 spoonfuls of the prepared meat sauce to coat.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti
- Spread a generous layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, remaining pasta mixture, and the final 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake the Ziti
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–45 minutes until bubbling.
- Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
 Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
 Calories
- Calories: Approximately 503 kcal per serving
 Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti
1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients
Opt for good-quality crushed tomatoes and pasta sauce. Fresh herbs and cheese also make a big difference.
2. Layer for Flavor
Make sure to spread the meat sauce and cheese evenly for the perfect bite every time.
3. Don’t Overcook Pasta
Al dente pasta holds up better in the oven and absorbs flavors from the sauce.
4. Cheese Choices
While mozzarella is classic, you can add provolone, fontina, or even gouda for deeper flavor.
5. Make It Ahead
Assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and bake when ready.
6. Freeze for Later
Wrap tightly and freeze the entire dish before or after baking. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight and bake.
7. Let it Rest
After baking, always let your ziti rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and layers to firm up.
8. Add Vegetables
Want to sneak in extra nutrition? Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
Final Thoughts
Baked ziti is more than just a pasta dish; it’s a complete comfort meal that speaks to the heart. The layers of cheesy, savory goodness paired with hearty meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta make this dish unforgettable. Ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying delicious leftovers, this baked ziti recipe is easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress seasoned cooks.
With helpful tips for make-ahead prep, ingredient swaps, and customization options, you can make this dish your own every time. Whether it’s your first time making baked ziti or you’re looking to perfect your version, this comprehensive guide is here to help you master every layer.
So grab your baking dish, preheat that oven, and get ready to dig into a bubbling tray of ultimate baked ziti bliss. Bon appétit!