Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe for a Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a cozy and comforting dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious? This easy cheesy baked ziti is your new weeknight hero. Loaded with rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and hearty pasta, it’s a family favorite that hits all the right notes.

Why is this recipe a total win?

Quick to prepare: Just 15 minutes of prep!
Minimal cleanup: One pot for the sauce, one baking dish. Boom.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in the morning, bake when ready.
Freezer-friendly: Great for doubling and saving one for later.
Kid-approved: Who can say no to gooey cheese and pasta?

It’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, serve at a casual dinner party, or keep all to yourself for leftovers that only get better.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before we jump in, let’s make sure your kitchen is set up with the right tools for success. No fancy gadgets required—just the basics.

Large pot for boiling pasta
Medium saucepan for the sauce
9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works great)
Colander for draining pasta
Mixing spoon or spatula
Cheese grater (freshly grated cheese melts better!)
Aluminum foil (for covering during baking)

Optional but helpful:

Kitchen scale (for accurate cheese and pasta measurements)
Oven mitts—things get hot in there!

Preparation Tips

Want to get that bubbly, cheesy top and perfectly cooked pasta every time? These handy prep tips can help:

Undercook the pasta: Boil it 2 minutes less than the package says—the pasta keeps cooking in the oven.
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Use room-temperature ricotta: It spreads easier and blends better with the pasta.
Make ahead: Assemble the ziti in the morning, wrap it, and refrigerate. Bake just before dinner.
Want more veggies? Sneak in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost the nutrition.

Ingredients List

You’ll find most of these ingredients in your pantry or local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese (room temperature)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to bring this dreamy baked ziti together from start to finish:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Brown the meat: Add ground beef or sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to marry the flavors.
Mix ricotta blend: In a separate bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Assemble the ziti: In the prepared baking dish, add half the cooked ziti. Top with half the meat sauce. Add spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture and gently spread. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Top it off: Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and a generous shake of Parmesan.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest: Allow baked ziti to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes scooping easier.
Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and dig in!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy recipes come with a few pitfalls. Don’t worry—here’s how to avoid them:

Overcooking the pasta: Ziti that’s too soft will turn mushy in the oven. Stop cooking while it’s still a bit firm.
Using cold cheese: Let your ricotta sit out for 15–20 minutes. Cold ingredients don’t blend or melt as smoothly.
Skipping the seasoning: Always taste your sauce before layering. A bland sauce means a bland ziti.
Not draining the diced tomatoes: Extra liquid waters down your sauce and makes the dish runny.

Best Side Dishes

This baked ziti pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Keep it simple or go full Italian feast! Here are some favorites:

Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery, and perfect for sopping up sauce.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the richness of ziti.
Roasted Veggies: Try broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil and herbs.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil for a light, refreshing contrast.

Expert Recipe Tips

This dish is delicious as-is, but here’s how to make it even better:

Sub ricotta: Cottage cheese works great if that’s what you have on hand.
Add depth with wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the meat for a richer sauce.
Spice it up: Mix in some hot Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes if you like heat.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and load your sauce with mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
Use fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped basil or oregano takes the flavor up a notch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Baked ziti is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day.

To store:

Let the dish cool completely.
Transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate.
Will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.

To reheat:

Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions at 70% power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

To freeze:

Assemble (but don’t bake) the ziti in a freezer-safe pan.
Wrap thoroughly in plastic wrap and foil.
Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to cook time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work well too—just stick with a sturdy, tubular shape that holds sauce.

Is baked ziti spicy?

Not by default. If you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive folks, skip the red pepper flakes. Prefer more heat? Add more!

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—you can use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free too.

What meat works best for baked ziti?

Ground beef, mild or hot Italian sausage, even ground turkey will all taste great here. Or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Of course! A good-quality jarred marinara is a time-saver. You can doctor it up with garlic, herbs, or a splash of wine if desired.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish of baked ziti. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together around the table—warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy.

So whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy Tuesday night or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this easy cheesy baked ziti is sure to satisfy.

I’d love to hear how it turns out! Did you add your own twist? Drop a comment below or snap a pic and tag me—sharing is caring! 🧡

And if you loved this recipe, check out my other easy pasta dishes like:

Happy cooking, and don’t forget: there’s no such thing as too much cheese! 🍽️🧀