The Best Homemade Baked Ziti Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser, combining comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. You’ll love how layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese come together so effortlessly. It’s a versatile dish that lets you customize toppings or add extra veggies for a healthier twist. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.

Recipe

Intro

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. This homemade version is simple to make yet delivers incredible flavor, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until meat is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and parsley.
6. Combine cooked ziti with the meat sauce, then fold in the ricotta mixture.
7. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
• For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish

Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes

Cuisine

Italian-American

Serving

6-8 servings

Nutrition

This homemade baked ziti recipe is a hearty and satisfying dish. Below are the nutritional details per serving.

What To Serve With It

Garlic bread is my go-to side for baked ziti—it’s crispy, buttery, and perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. A Caesar salad adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the dish, and I love how easy it is to toss together. Trust me, this combo makes the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from your ziti.

Garlic Bread

Nothing beats the warm, buttery smell of freshly baked garlic bread wafting through the kitchen. Whenever I make baked ziti, I love pairing it with garlic bread—it’s the perfect sidekick. I spread a mix of butter, minced garlic, and parsley over a crusty loaf, then pop it in the oven until golden. The crispy edges and soft center are irresistible. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella for extra richness. It’s simple but makes the meal feel special. Trust me, tearing into warm garlic bread while enjoying a cheesy bite of ziti is pure comfort food bliss.

Caesar Salad

A crunchy Caesar salad is my go-to when I’m looking to add something fresh and vibrant to a hearty meal like baked ziti. The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese balance the richness of the ziti perfectly. I love adding homemade croutons for extra texture—they’re so easy to make with day-old bread! Sometimes, I’ll toss in a few anchovies for that classic umami kick, but they’re optional. It’s a simple dish, but it feels fancy, and it pairs so well with Italian comfort food. Trust me, this combo hits all the right notes for a satisfying dinner.