Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Here’s an Easy Baked Ziti Recipe — a cozy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing classic made with pasta, rich tomato meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep!

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🍝 Easy Baked Ziti

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings: 6–8

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📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg (optional, helps bind ricotta)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for topping

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook pasta: Boil ziti until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the meat sauce:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
   Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
3. Mix ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg (optional), and a pinch of salt.
4. Assemble the ziti:
   In a greased 9×13” baking dish:
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce
   • Add half the cooked pasta
   • Dollop and spread ricotta mixture
   • Add half of remaining sauce
   • Sprinkle half the mozzarella
   • Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped herbs if desired.

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✅ Tips:

• For vegetarian version: Skip the meat or sub with sautéed mushrooms/spinach.
• Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.

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🧊 Storage:

• Fridge: 3–4 days, reheats well.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked (tightly wrapped) or fully baked. Thaw before baking or reheating.