Who doesn’t love a hearty pasta dish that’s comforting, cheesy, and perfect for just about any occasion? If you’re craving an Italian-inspired dinner that’s easy to prepare but tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day, classic baked ziti is the recipe you need. Packed with gooey cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, rich sauce, and savory meat (if you’re into that), it’s basically a warm hug on a plate.

In this article, we will show you every step of making this piping-hot dish your family or friends will rave about—perfect for weeknights, date nights, or even meal preps.

How to Make a Classic Baked Ziti Recipe That Everyone Will Love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we talk technique, let’s make sure you have all the players ready for this easy cheesy masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need for our classic baked ziti (serves 6–8 people):

Pasta & Sauce

• Ziti pasta (or penne if you’re in a pinch): 1 pound

• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade): 4 cups

• Ground beef, Italian sausage, or both (optional): 1 pound

Cheesy Goodness

• Ricotta cheese: 1 cup

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded): 2 cups

• Parmesan cheese (grated): 1/2 cup

• Egg (to bind the ricotta mixture): 1 large

Spices & Flavor Boosts

• Garlic (minced): 2 cloves

• Fresh basil (chopped): 2 tablespoons, plus more for garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil

Now that we’ve got your grocery list covered, it’s time to turn this pile of ingredients into bubbling, cheesy perfection.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your ziti pasta in salted boiling water until it’s just shy of al dente—about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so this step prevents it from turning mushy.

Pro Tip: Add a drizzle of olive oil to the cooked pasta to keep it from sticking while you work on the other layers.

Step 2: Make the Meat & Sauce Mixture

If you’re adding meat to your baked ziti, now’s the time to shine. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, toss in your ground beef or sausage (or both!) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Once the meat is cooked, stir in your marinara sauce. Allow it to heat through and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then,  ddd salt, pepper, and fresh basil to taste. Not adding meat? No worries—the marinara sauce alone will do the trick!

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

While the sauce is simmering, whip up your ricotta layer. Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well until it’s creamy and spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble Your Baked Ziti

Grab your favorite casserole dish (a 9×13-inch pan works perfectly), and get ready to layer like a pro.

• Start with a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom to prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish.

• Add half of your cooked pasta, spreading it evenly across the dish.

• Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading gently into an even layer.

• Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella on top.

• Pour half of the remaining sauce over the cheese layer.

• Repeat these layers with the rest of the ingredients, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan to create that golden, cheesy crust we all love.

Step 5: Bake Your Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Removing the foil, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with slightly golden edges.

Pro Tip: Turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes if you crave a perfectly caramelized cheese top.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Before you dig in, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil over the top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes to set before serving. Slice it up and serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance all that cheesy goodness.

Bonus Tips for Next-Level Baked Ziti

• Want a healthier version? Use whole-grain pasta or add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce.

• Feeding a crowd? Prep the dish the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s been chilled.

• Have leftovers? Baked ziti reheats like a dream. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to a month.

Why Baked Ziti is a Winner

Baked ziti takes simple ingredients and turns them into something extraordinary with just a bit of layering and a lot of love. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or just someone who loves a good home-cooked meal, this easy dish brings all the cozy vibes you need.