Baked ziti
Enjoy a comforting Italian-American classic with our baked ziti recipe. Tender pasta is layered with a rich, aromatic meat sauce and a creamy cheese mix of ricotta and Parmesan, then baked with mozzarella on top. Easy to prepare, yet deeply satisfying, it is ideal for relaxed family dinners, when you have guests over, or whenever you want a reliable, easy family favourite fresh from the oven.
Ingredients
Pasta and meat sauce
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400 g
Ziti pasta or another tube-shaped pasta
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1 tbsp
Olive oil
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450 g
Minced beef
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1
Onion
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3
Garlic cloves
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1 tsp
Dried oregano
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1 tsp
Dried thyme
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½ tsp
Dried rosemary
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½ tsp
Dried basil
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½ tsp
Chilli flakes
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2 cans
Chopped tomatoes (800 g)
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140 g
Tomato purée
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1 tsp
Sugar
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1 tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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Cheese mixture
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250 g
Ricotta
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20 g
Parmesan cheese, grated
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1
Egg
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Topping
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100 g
Mozzarella, grated
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15 g
Parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh basil
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Instructions
Pasta and meat sauce
Cheese mixture
Assembling
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Ricotta can dry out during baking if it is too lean. Using full-fat ricotta helps, and adding a small splash of cream or milk if it seems too dry can keep the cheesy mixture smooth and tender. Avoid overbaking and let the dish rest after baking, so the layers settle without becoming firm.
Well-browned minced beef adds depth and richness to the sauce. Let the meat cook undisturbed at first so it develops colour rather than steaming. This creates a fuller, more savoury base that balances the tomato sauce and creamy cheese layers in the finished bake.
Tomato sauces vary in acidity. Taste the sauce after simmering and adjust with a pinch of sugar if needed. A well-balanced sauce prevents the dish from tasting sharp and allows the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to shine without being overwhelmed.
FAQ: Questions about baked ziti
Get all the answers you need for making baked ziti. Our questions and answers about the recipe will help you create a rich, flavourful bake every time.
What is baked ziti?
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American casserole-style oven-bake featuring tube-shaped pasta, a hearty meat sauce, and layers of creamy cheese. The pasta, sauce, and cheese bake together to create a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying layered dish.
Do I need to cook the ziti pasta fully before baking?
No. Boil the pasta until it is about 2 minutes short of al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing moisture from the sauce and cheese. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy while ensuring a tender, well-textured bake.
How do I know when baked ziti is done?
Your baked ziti is ready when the cheese on top is golden and bubbling, and the sauce is simmering at the edges. The pasta should be tender but not soft or mushy. Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble as explained in the recipe, but do not bake. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Bake straight from the fridge at 175 °C (fan-assisted oven) for 30-45 minutes, removing the foil in the last 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, you can freeze baked ziti before or after baking for up to 3 months. Freeze the assembled dish covered, or let a baked dish cool completely before wrapping it well and placing it in the freezer. Reheat from frozen in the oven or thaw overnight in the fridge. Properly stored, the flavours remain excellent, although the pasta texture might be a bit mushier.
What is a good side dish for baked ziti?
Serve baked ziti with garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the sauce, and accompany it with a crisp green salad, such as arugula or Caesar, for freshness. Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, courgette, or Brussels sprouts, add colour and texture and pair well on the side, too.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
669 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 7.6 g |
| Protein | 20.4 % | 33.6 g |
| Fat | 25.9 % | 19.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 53.7 % | 88.5 g |
Deliciously comforting baked ziti
Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, baked ziti is made for sharing, whether at a relaxed family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. As it bakes, the kitchen fills with the familiar comfort of herbs, garlic, tomato, and cheese, and what comes out of the oven is bubbling, golden, and utterly irresistible. Simple, flavourful, and reliably crowd-pleasing, this is comfort food you will want to return to again and again.
If you enjoy comforting, oven-baked dishes like this, you might also like our recipes for baked gnocchi with tomato sauce, easy chicken and mushroom lasagne, cheesy potato bake, or crustless quiche with spinach and white cheese. They all offer the same warm, satisfying appeal, making them perfect for enjoying with friends or family.
Aromatic meat sauce and creamy cheese layers
The meat sauce brings depth, warmth, and richness to every layer. It has a savoury base of simmered tomatoes and a flavourful blend of aromatic herbs – oregano, thyme, and rosemary. A gentle hint of chilli makes the flavours pop. The creamy blend of ricotta cheese and sharp Parmesan create smooth, indulgently cheesy pockets throughout the layers of pasta and meat sauce, and the mozzarella on top bakes into a golden, bubbling crust. This combination of textures from tender pasta to silky ricotta and lightly crisped mozzarella makes every mouthful deeply satisfying.
Discover a reimagined, beloved Italian-American classic
Our baked ziti is a cherished Italian-American favourite. It has classic Italian flavours from the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and aromatic herbs, while the fully baked, cheesy, casserole-style preparation reflects the American love for comforting, all-in-one meals. This recipe retains the comforting, authentic essence of pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese from a classic version, but reimagines it slightly: the ricotta forms creamy pockets rather than being mixed into the sauce, and the sauce is richer and more aromatic with extra herbs and a touch of sugar.
Creative variations to try
Be creative and try adding vegetables such as mushrooms, fresh spinach, courgettes, or roasted peppers for extra flavour and colour. You can also swap the minced beef for Italian sausage to add warmth and spice or minced turkey or chicken to make it feel lighter. A mix of chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils is a good option if you want a version without meat.
You can never go wrong with more cheese or experimenting with different types of cheese. Replace part of the ricotta with mascarpone for added richness or cottage cheese for a slight tang. Alternatively, mix the Parmesan with pecorino romano, which is slightly sharper, saltier, and tangier. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to finish with a burst of colour and a refreshingly herbal taste.
