Baked ziti with ricotta is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a potluck. This hearty pasta casserole is layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked ziti pasta.
If you love lasagna but want something easier and just as satisfying, this baked ziti recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s explore everything you need to know to make this Italian-American classic from scratch.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Simple and Delicious – Basic ingredients, big flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping in advance or freezing.
Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone from kids to adults will devour it.
Cheesy and Comforting – Ideal for cozy nights or potluck events.
Ingredients List
To make a classic baked ziti with ricotta, you’ll need:
For the Pasta and Cheese:
1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk)
2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente, 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 egg, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large 9×13 baking dish, layer as follows:
Spread a spoonful of meat sauce on the bottom.
Add half of the cooked pasta.
Spoon dollops of ricotta mixture over the pasta.
Top with half of the meat sauce.
Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella.
Repeat the layers (pasta, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella).
Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Undercook the Pasta Slightly
Since it will finish cooking in the oven, slightly undercooked pasta holds its shape and texture better.
Use Whole Milk Ricotta
Whole milk ricotta gives a rich and creamy consistency that low-fat versions can’t match.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Letting the baked ziti rest helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Add Fresh Herbs
For added freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Ricotta Cheese: The Creamy Hero
Ricotta plays a major role in this dish by adding creaminess and richness. It’s often mixed with an egg to help bind the filling and ensure it stays light and fluffy during baking.
If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the ricotta in a food processor before adding the egg and seasonings.
Meat or No Meat?
You can enjoy baked ziti with or without meat. Ground beef, sausage, or ground turkey all work well. If you’re going meatless, sauté mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to add depth and texture to the sauce.
Cheese Options and Substitutes
Mozzarella is essential for its melt factor, but here are a few tweaks you can try:
Provolone: For a smoky flavor.
Fontina: Adds richness and melts beautifully.
Pecorino Romano: Sharper than Parmesan and great for finishing.
You can also use a blend of cheeses to add complexity to the dish.
Using Homemade Sauce
While store-bought marinara is quick and convenient, a homemade sauce adds a personal touch. Use San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, onion, olive oil, and herbs for a simple yet rich tomato sauce.
You can simmer it for 30–40 minutes for maximum depth of flavor before using it in the baked ziti.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make-Ahead:
Assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Freezing:
Let the ziti cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
Pair your baked ziti with:
Garlic bread or garlic knots
Caesar salad or garden salad
Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
Antipasto platter for a festive touch
These sides balance the richness of the dish and complete your meal.
Leftovers and Reheating
Storing:
Place leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Baked Ziti for a Crowd
Hosting a large group? Double the recipe and bake in two 9×13 pans or one deep catering tray. It’s a great option for feeding guests without fuss and pairs well with simple sides and a big salad.
Baked Ziti vs Lasagna
While both dishes share similar ingredients, the main differences include:
Structure: Lasagna uses pasta sheets and has more defined layers.
Ease: Baked ziti is quicker to assemble and bake.
Ricotta: More evenly distributed in ziti versus distinct layers in lasagna.
FAQs
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or any tubular pasta work well and hold the sauce beautifully.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, though ricotta gives a creamier result. If using cottage cheese, drain it well.
Do I need to add an egg to the ricotta mixture?
The egg helps bind the ricotta, but you can skip it if you prefer a softer filling.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly with a golden top. A thermometer inserted in the center should read at least 165°F (74°C).
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the meat and add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Conclusion
Baked ziti with ricotta is a family favorite for good reason. It’s comforting, filling, and full of cheesy, tomato-rich flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a Sunday dinner, holiday meal, or freezing it for busy nights, this dish offers warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort.