Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Baked ziti on a white plate with a bite on a fork.

5 from 6 votes

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

This easy Baked Ziti recipe is loaded with flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight meal! It deliciously features tender pasta, a hearty meat sauce, and creamy cheese layers for a make-ahead, freezer-friendly family favorite recipe that even the kids will love!

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Robyn Stone

Equipment

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion diced (optional)
5 1/2 cups marinara sauce or 2 (23.5-ounce) jars store-bought
8 ounces provolone cheese sliced
2 cups Ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt, sour cream, or cottage cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

Prep. Preheat oven to 350º F. Coat the interior of the baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
Cook the ziti. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the meat sauce. Meanwhile, cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and reduce the heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble. Add 1/2 of the cooked ziti to the prepared baking dish. Spoon 1/2 of the meat sauce over the ziti. Top with provolone and ricotta cheese. Repeat with the remaining ziti and meat sauce and top with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake. Place into the oven and bake until the cheese are fully melted and bubbly, about 35 to 40 minutes. Cool about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ingredient Swaps

Ricotta Alternatives: Use cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or cream cheese for a tangy swap in this baked ziti with ricotta substitute.
Meat Options: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork; or skip for vegetarian baked ziti.
Sauce Tweaks: Add heavy cream for a creamy baked ziti or crushed tomatoes for homemade flair.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked or baked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake or reheat at 350°F until warm.
Reheat: Microwave individual servings or oven-bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes. Add a splash of sauce if dry.
Make-Ahead: Prepare without baking and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Remove from fridge as the oven preheats. A few more minutes may be needed in the cooking time.

Nutrition