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A steaming dish of baked ziti pasta dinner, rich with cheese and sauce.

Classic Easy 5-Step Baked Ziti Pasta Dinner

This classic baked ziti recipe is a hearty and delicious meal, perfect for family dinners. With al dente pasta, a rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta, it's baked to bubbly, golden perfection.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound ziti pasta or penne if ziti is unavailable
Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both for a vegetarian option, use a mix of finely diced mushrooms and bell peppers
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Medium bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Prep the Pasta
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), bring salted water to a boil, and cook ziti until al dente; drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Brown meat if using, drain excess fat, then stir in tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; mix well.
Assemble the Ziti
  1. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer with half the ziti, dollops of ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella.
Bake to Perfection
  1. Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

This baked ziti recipe is a perfect make-ahead meal. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through evenly. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!