Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is my go-to casserole recipe when I need something to feed a crowd. The meat based sauce is rich in flavor and combines easily with the ziti pasta. It is baked with plenty of cheese for a Italian Dish that everyone will love.

This pasta dish is hearty, filling and delicious. If you have made Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe, Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, Baked Ziti with Chicken, Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe or Easy Homemade Pasta Bake Recipe then you are going to love this Easy Homemade Baked Ziti.

Why This Recipe Works

We love making Baked Ziti as it comes together easily with simple ingredients. The recipe is customizable and can even be made with no meat for Meatless Monday or with extra vegetables such as onion, fresh spinach and bell peppers.

The next time you need a meal that is quick and easy make Baked Ziti. You probably already have the majority of the ingredients.

Ingredients

• Italian Ground Sausage – Feel free to substitute meat with Italian Sausage or Ground Beef
• Garlic Cloves – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Italian Seasoning – You can easily make Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
• Crushed Tomatoes – Base for the Baked Ziti Sauce. Substitute with tomato sauce, marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
• Salt, Pepper, Sugar, and Red Pepper Flakes – Balances the flavors of the sauce
• Ziti Pasta – Feel free to use Penne or Rigatoni as an easy substitute
• Ricotta Cheese – Adds a creamy and cheesy center to the Baked Ziti
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Delicious, cheesy topping

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Baked Ziti 

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. 

Step 2 – Cook the ziti to al dente based on the package instruction. 

Step 3 – In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium-high heat in a teaspoon of olive oil. Break it up as it browns and drain off any excess grease.  

Step 4 – Add in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic.  

Step 5 – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, sugar and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a low boil and simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through.  

Step 6 – Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta making sure that it’s completely covered in the sauce. 

Step 7 – Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. 

Step 8 – Evenly dollop the ricotta cheese on top of the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. 

Step 9 – Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese on top. 

• Step 10 – Bake (uncovered) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the top of the pasta is slightly browned. 
• Step 11 – Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle the fresh basil on and top and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy! 

Expert Tips

• Baking Pan – Make sure to use a pan large enough to hold all of the pasta and sauce to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce before layering it in the baking dish.  We recommend using a 9×13 baking dish.
• Cook Pasta – Before combining the ingredients, cook pasta al dente and according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling water.
• Baking Casserole – Cooking time will vary but we do bake the ziti uncovered so the cheese melts golden brown.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is delicious served with many of your favorite side dish recipes. Pair it with Homemade Garlic Bread and Easy Caesar Salad Recipe for a complete meal idea.

These are some of our other favorites.

• Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Sautéed Green Beans
• Brussel Sprouts In Oven

Frequently Asked Questions