By Bring The Best Homemade Baked Ziti Recipe to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
The Best Homemade Baked Ziti Recipe captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, The Best Homemade Baked Ziti Recipe becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. ziti pasta noodles
1 lb. ground beef or ground sausage
1 large onion, chopped
3 tsp. minced garlic
2 tsp. Italian seasoning, divided
1 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1 1/2 tsp. black pepper, divided
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
45 oz. bottle marinara sauce
14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes
16 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
15 oz. ricotta cheese
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1 egg
PREPARATION STEPS
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
Stir in 1 tsp. of Italian seasoning, 1 tsp. of salt, 1 tsp. of black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute.
Add the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, remaining Italian seasoning, remaining salt, remaining black pepper, and half of the shredded parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Add another layer of meat sauce, the remaining ziti, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the rest of the parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and cheesy dish with a side salad or garlic bread!
Enjoy:
This Baked Ziti is sure to be a family favorite!
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
