The ultimate baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella—creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with rich flavor. A comforting pasta bake perfect for family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic comfort food: Cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying.
Crowd-pleaser: Makes enough for a family dinner or gathering.

Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepped ahead and baked later.
Customizable: Choose ground beef, sausage, or a mix for your preferred flavor.
Leftovers taste even better: The flavors meld overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious.

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the parmesan. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the ziti: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, a layer of sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
Extra cheesy: Add provolone or fontina cheese to the mozzarella layers.
Spicy twist: Use spicy Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.

White baked ziti: Replace tomato sauce with a creamy Alfredo-style sauce.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your tomato sauces are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or thaw before baking for quicker reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I assemble baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Do I have to use ziti pasta?

No, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes since they hold sauce and cheese well.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can replace ricotta, though it will give a slightly different texture.

How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?

Make sure to use enough sauce and cover with foil during the first part of baking.

Can I make baked ziti without meat?

Absolutely, just omit the meat or replace it with vegetables.

What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

Both use pasta, cheese, and sauce, but ziti is made with tubular pasta layered loosely, while lasagna uses flat pasta sheets in structured layers.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, eggplant, or bell peppers are delicious additions.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, double the amount if using fresh oregano or basil.

What’s the best cheese for baked ziti?

Mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan are traditional, but provolone or fontina add great flavor.

Do leftovers taste good?

Yes—many people say baked ziti tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Conclusion

Ultimate Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With its layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, it’s hearty, flavorful, and always satisfying. Whether you make it with beef, sausage, or keep it vegetarian, this baked ziti is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

More Cheesy & Cozy Recipes to Try

If you loved the layers of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich sauce in this Ultimate Baked Ziti, you’ll want to try even more of our comfort food favorites. For a simple but flavor-packed pasta, the Sizzling Herb-Infused Garlic Oil Spaghetti delivers garlicky goodness in every bite. If you prefer a hearty one-pan dinner, the One Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli is indulgent and easy. Looking for a lighter Italian twist? The High-Protein Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese adds extra nutrition without losing the cheesy comfort. For veggie lovers, pair your ziti with the Savory Spinach, Mushroom & Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats — a baked classic with a healthy spin. And don’t forget dessert: the Lemon Meringue Pie Bars add a bright, tangy finish to any pasta night.

Ultimate Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Author: Chef Clara

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty Italian-American comfort dish featuring layers of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, baked until bubbly and golden brown. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 oz ricotta cheese

1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the parmesan. Mix until smooth.
To assemble: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, a layer of sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, and mozzarella. Top with remaining parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Cook pasta slightly underdone since it will continue cooking in the oven.

For extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the sauce.
Can be assembled ahead of time and baked before serving.