Baked Ziti (Easy Recipe)

If you’re searching for a pasta dish that’s both comforting and convenient, baked ziti checks every box. A bubbling, golden pan of baked ziti delivers tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and layers of creamy, melty cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning for leftovers, or just want a cozy meal at home, this easy recipe walks you through every detail. Let’s dive in.

What Is Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti is a traditional Italian-American casserole made by layering ziti pasta with tomato sauce, ground meat, and a generous heap of cheese, then baking until everything is hot and bubbly. The tube-shaped ziti noodles hold the sauce, soaking up flavor in every bite. Creamy cheese balances out the tangy tomato and savory meat, creating a hearty, satisfying dinner. Baked ziti brings all the best parts of lasagna—without the fuss.

Ingredients for Classic Baked Ziti

Gather your ingredients before you begin. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ziti Pasta: Tubular pasta, perfect for baking. Penne or rigatoni can also work.
Ground Beef: Adds savory depth. Lean beef makes for a less greasy sauce.
Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic flavor to the meat sauce.
Garlic: Finely minced, garlic brings a signature warmth.
Spaghetti Sauce: You can use your favorite jarred kind or homemade marinara. Look for one with herbs for extra flavor.
Provolone Cheese: Sliced, for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth layer.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, creates that irresistible gooey topping.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated, gives a final nutty kick and golden crust.
Sour Cream: Adds a luscious tang and keeps the baked ziti moist.
Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onion and garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
Fresh Herbs (optional): Basil and parsley for garnish and freshness.

How to Make Baked Ziti: Step-By-Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ziti and cook until just al dente—about a minute or two shy of the package time.
Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, then cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef. Use a spoon to break it up while browning.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
Pour in your spaghetti sauce, stir, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Here’s how to layer:

Spoon half of the cooked ziti into the dish.
Add a layer of sliced provolone cheese evenly over the pasta.
Spread all the sour cream across the provolone with a spatula.
Layer half of the meat sauce over the sour cream.
Add the rest of the ziti.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta.
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top.
Finish with grated Parmesan for a crisp, flavorful finish.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep edges from over-browning.
Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil. Bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving, giving the layers time to settle and making it easier to slice.

Simple Table: Baked Ziti Ingredient Overview

Ingredient	Amount	Role	Substitution Suggestion
Ziti Pasta	1 pound	Main base	Penne, rigatoni
Ground Beef	1 pound	Protein, flavor	Italian sausage, turkey
Onion	1 medium, diced	Aromatic	Shallot, leek
Garlic	3 cloves, minced	Flavor	Garlic powder
Spaghetti Sauce	3 cups	Tomato base	Marinara, homemade sauce
Provolone Cheese	6 slices	Creamy, melty layer	Fontina, Gruyere
Mozzarella Cheese	2 cups shredded	Gooey topping	Cheddar, Monterey Jack
Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup grated	Nutty, crisp finish	Pecorino Romano
Sour Cream	1 cup	Creamy, tangy layer	Ricotta, cottage cheese
Olive Oil	2 tbsp	For sautéing	Butter

Helpful Tips: Perfect Baked Ziti Every Time

Generous Sauce: Make sure every bite is moist and flavorful by using plenty of sauce. If you prefer, toss some sauce with the cooked pasta before assembly.
Cheese Choices: Shred or slice cheese from a block for better melting than pre-shredded cheese, which can have anti-caking agents.
Cover While Baking: Loosely tent with foil if the cheese browns too quickly. For an ultra-crispy top, leave uncovered in the last few minutes of baking.
Season The Sauce: Taste and season your sauce even if it’s store-bought. A pinch of Italian seasoning, black pepper, or even a touch of red pepper flakes adds extra depth.
Let It Rest: Give the baked ziti time to rest before cutting—this helps the layers hold together in neat squares.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Add a light sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley right before serving for fresh flavor and color.

Substitutions and Variations

Baked ziti adapts well to all kinds of tweaks. Here are some ideas:

Meat Lovers: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, or mix the two for extra flavor. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works well if you prefer poultry.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant to the tomato sauce. Roasted bell peppers or artichoke hearts also taste great.
Alternative Cheeses: Don’t like provolone? Use whole-milk ricotta, cottage cheese with egg, or even cream cheese for a creamy texture.
Go Spicy: Stir crushed red pepper flakes into your meat sauce, or add a thin layer of pickled jalapeños for a mild kick.
Rich and Creamy: Mix a splash of heavy cream into the sauce just before assembly for decadent results.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil on top before baking for a crispy finish.

What Goes Well with Baked Ziti?

Round out your meal with a simple side and a fresh bite. Here are a few favorites:

Homemade Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery—perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
Mixed Green Salad: Pair with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for color and balance.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the richness of baked ziti.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti

Baked ziti stores and reheats like a dream, making it a smart choice for meal prep or gatherings.

Leftover Storage

Cool the baked ziti completely before storing.
Cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers.
Store in the fridge for up to four days.

Freezing

Assemble the dish (unbaked), wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months.
To freeze leftovers, cut into portions and wrap individually, or use freezer-safe containers.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat from the refrigerator, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—usually 20-30 minutes.
For frozen unbaked ziti, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Individual portions can be microwaved; add a splash of water or sauce to keep the pasta moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and chill in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or any tubular pasta will work well.

Is it possible to make baked ziti gluten-free?
Just swap in a sturdy gluten-free pasta. Watch the pasta closely while boiling to avoid overcooking.

Whether you serve baked ziti for Sunday supper, a potluck, or a busy weeknight, this dish satisfies with every forkful. With its rich sauce, oozing cheese, and golden top, it’s pure comfort layered in a pan. Try it once, and you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation—especially when you crave something simple, filling, and crowd-pleasing.