Jam Scott
Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the kind of dish that brings comfort to any dinner table. Imagine forkfuls of tender pasta, smothered in a rich, savory meat sauce, all crowned with melted, golden cheese. It’s hearty, indulgent, and made to feed a hungry crowd or satisfy your family on a chilly evening. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck or craving a homemade Italian classic, this baked ziti will deliver bold, satisfying flavor in every bite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It uses staple pantry ingredients and can be made ahead of time, frozen, or customized with your favorite add-ins. From the bubbly cheese topping to the deeply flavorful layers of beef and marinara, it’s a recipe that earns repeat requests. If you’re new to baked pasta, this is the one to start with—it’s practically foolproof.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce?
While ziti is the traditional pick, don’t worry if you have rigatoni or penne on hand—they work just as well. The goal is to choose a short, tubular pasta that can hold onto the sauce. These pasta shapes trap the rich meat sauce inside their ridges, making each bite more flavorful. Just be sure to cook the pasta until al dente since it will finish cooking in the oven.
Ingredients for the Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Ziti Pasta: This is the foundation of the dish. Its tube shape captures sauce and cheese in every bite.
Ground Beef: A flavorful base for the meat sauce. Choose 80/20 for a balance of flavor and richness.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, it brings the tomato depth that ties everything together.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build flavor right from the first step.
Italian Seasoning: Adds those classic herb notes—oregano, basil, and thyme.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melted and gooey, it’s essential for that classic baked pasta topping.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick that balances the mozzarella.
Ricotta Cheese (optional): For creamier, layered texture between the pasta and sauce.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top for a fresh, bright finish.
How To Make the Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente—firm to the bite. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain excess grease. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, then stir in minced garlic. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors deepen.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with about two-thirds of the meat sauce. If using ricotta, layer small dollops between pasta scoops for creamy bites.
Step 4: Assemble the Ziti
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the sauced pasta, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan. Add the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. This layering ensures melty, cheesy flavor throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve and Store Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
This baked ziti is best served hot, right out of the oven when the cheese is bubbling and golden. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a delicious final touch.
To store leftovers, let the baked ziti cool completely, then cover the dish with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes! Baked ziti freezes beautifully. Wrap it well and label it. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Nope. Ricotta is optional. Some prefer a drier texture without it, while others love the creamy richness it adds. Cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce are good alternatives too.
What protein can I use instead of ground beef?
You can swap in Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a meatless crumble for a vegetarian version. Each brings its own twist to the sauce.
How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?
Covering it with foil while baking helps trap moisture. Also, using enough sauce and not overbaking ensures it stays creamy and flavorful.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne and rigatoni are excellent substitutes. Just make sure the pasta is sturdy enough to hold the sauce and doesn’t overcook during baking.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce, here are some other pasta creations you might want to try next:
• Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini for a rich, creamy twist with bold flavors.
• Spaghetti with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce when you want something a little lighter yet flavorful.
• Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne for a veggie-forward option that still satisfies.
• Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef when you want to go full comfort mode.
• Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a cozy pasta-meets-soup experience.
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Tried it already? I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you add ricotta, or go meatless? Maybe you tossed in some spinach or swapped the pasta?
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Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Description
A cozy, classic pasta bake layered with hearty meat sauce and melted cheese. This Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd. It’s easy to prep, great for leftovers, and always a hit.
Ingredients
1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix pasta with two-thirds of the meat sauce. Add ricotta if using.
- Layer half the pasta in the baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
