Name: Irresistible Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 24 ounces marinara sauce; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

This irresistible easy baked ziti recipe is the kind of comforting dinner that always feels like a win. It has tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and that bubbly golden top that makes everyone want seconds before the pan even hits the table.

It is also a great choice for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep because it comes together with simple ingredients and familiar flavors. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy pasta bake to make ahead, this baked ziti delivers big comfort with very little fuss.

Why Is Easy Baked Ziti So Good for Busy Nights?

Easy baked ziti works so well because it gives you all the cozy appeal of lasagna without the extra layering and effort. You boil the pasta, make a quick meat sauce, stir together a creamy cheese mixture, then layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the rest.

Another reason people love it is how flexible it is. You can swap in Italian sausage, use cottage cheese instead of ricotta, add spinach, or make it extra cheesy on top. It is hearty, dependable, and perfect when you want a dinner that feels homemade and generous.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
24 ounces marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How To Make the Irresistible Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside so it does not overcook before baking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, then cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, then pour in the marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors come together.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and the chopped parsley. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread a small spoonful of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, then spoon over half of the ricotta mixture and half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat with the rest of the pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.

Step 6: Add the Final Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella evenly over the top. Make sure the cheese reaches the corners so every serving gets that melty finish.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. For extra color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to scoop neat portions.

Serving and Storing Irresistible Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Serve this baked ziti hot with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal. It is rich and hearty enough to stand on its own, but a light side dish balances it beautifully.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven, covered with foil, until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 2 months, which makes it a smart make-ahead dinner for busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

Can I use penne instead of ziti?

Absolutely. Penne works very well and gives you a very similar texture and look if ziti is not available.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

No. Cottage cheese is a common substitute and works nicely in this dish. Some people even prefer it for a lighter texture.

How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?

Do not overbake it, and make sure the pasta is only cooked to al dente before assembling. A generous amount of sauce also helps keep everything tender and creamy.

Can I freeze baked ziti after baking?

Yes. Let it cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze it in portions or as a full casserole. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love comforting pasta bakes and hearty family dinners, you might also enjoy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta, Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta, Taco Spaghetti Casserole, Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce, and One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.

Each one brings its own spin on pasta night, from rich and meaty classics to creamy skillet favorites that are just right when you want something filling and easy.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know how yours turned out. Did you add sausage, use extra mozzarella, or tuck in a layer of spinach? Little changes can make this classic feel brand new.

I always love seeing how home cooks make a dish their own. For more daily recipe inspiration, take a look at Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

Irresistible Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty, cheesy baked ziti made with tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella for an easy family dinner that always satisfies.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, then cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.

5. Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.

6. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and chopped parsley until well combined.

7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

8. Add half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and sauce.

9. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups mozzarella evenly over the top.

10. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

11. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you want a more golden cheese topping.

12. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.