Few dishes bring people together quite like baked ziti. This Italian pasta bake is the definition of comfort food—warm, bubbling, and layered with cheese, sauce, and love. Perfect for Italian holiday meals or weeknight dinners, this homemade baked ziti recipe is one of the best family-friendly Italian dishes you can serve when you need hearty pasta that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 minced cloves of garlic
- 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, for baked ziti with meat)
- 4 cups marinara or homemade pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a steady boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. If using meat, add sausage or ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Layer the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom. Add half the pasta, half the sauce, dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers and finish with sauce and cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheesy baked pasta is bubbling.
- Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
This Italian baked pasta casserole is one of those Italian family recipes that never fails. Whether you make an easy baked ziti with marinara sauce or a heartier version with meat, it’s perfect pasta for a crowd. With its rich layers, melty cheese, and homemade flavor, baked ziti stands tall among Italian dinner ideas—comforting, classic, and always shared with love.
