Easy Baked Ziti Recipe with Ground Meat and Cheese Delight

Published: October 15, 2025

by Hannah Reed

Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti

This incredible Baked Ziti transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Baked Ziti:

300g / 10oz ziti or penne pasta – Choose your favorite pasta shape; ziti holds the sauce well, while penne adds a playful twist.

1 tbsp olive oil – A splash of this liquid gold enhances flavor and helps to sauté your aromatics beautifully.

3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds a fragrant punch that elevates the overall taste of your dish.

1 small onion (brown, white or yellow), finely chopped – Onion provides sweetness and depth, creating a solid flavor base for your sauce.

500g / 1 lb ground beef or pork OR 50/50 combo – Choose meat based on preference; for a heartier dish, mix both!

700g / 24 oz tomato passata – This rich, pure tomato sauce effortlessly binds the ingredients, creating a luscious sauce.

1/2 cup water – A little liquid keeps the sauce from becoming too thick while it simmers.

1 tsp EACH dried basil, oregano, sugar – These dried herbs bring the classic Italian flavors to life, while sugar balances acidity.

1 cup ricotta, optional – For a creamy layer, ricotta cheese adds richness, giving you that dreamy texture.

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese – The star cheese that melts and forms an irresistible golden-brown crust.

1 cup parmesan, freshly grated, optional – For those who adore a punchy flavor, parmesan adds that extra dimension.

Finely chopped parsley or basil, optional garnish – A sprinkle of herbs not only brightens up the dish visually but makes it taste even fresher.

2 tsp fennel seeds, optional – These seeds have a sweet, mildly anise-like flavor that can elevate the sauce beautifully.

1 tbsp paprika – Adds a subtle warmth and color to your sauce, inviting you to take a bite.

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper OR 3/4 tsp chili flakes – Spice it up! Adjust according to your heat preference for an added kick.

2 tsp onion powder – A flavor booster that complements the fresh onion and rounds out the sauce.

1 tsp EACH salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning, making sure every bite is deliciously balanced.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Baked Ziti:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions, minus two minutes. It will continue cooking in the oven, so a little undercooked pasta is perfect. Drain and return it to the pot.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about two minutes. The onion should turn translucent and aromatic, making your kitchen smell divine.

Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir until it’s just browned; around five to seven minutes. Lower the heat, then sprinkle in the fennel seeds, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another two minutes to meld those flavors.

Step 4: Combine with Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato passata and water, and stir in the dried herbs and sugar. Adjust heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about ten minutes. This step builds the flavor depth you’re craving.

Step 5: Mix Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta with about two cups of the sauce mixture right in the pot. This helps the pasta absorb all that flavor before baking.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread the ziti into a well-greased baking dish. If you’re feeling fancy, dollop ricotta throughout the dish for creaminess. Pour over the remaining sauce and top generously with mozzarella and parmesan. Cover loosely with foil and bake for twenty minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for another ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Transfer to plates and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy Baked Ziti surrounded by family, friends, or just yourself—you deserve it!

You Must Know About Baked Ziti

This showstopping Baked Ziti delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Baked Ziti Cooking Process

To make the perfect Baked Ziti, start by cooking the pasta while preparing the meat sauce. Sauté the onion and garlic, then brown the meat. Mixing the sauce with cooked pasta ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Add Your Touch to Baked Ziti

Feel free to customize this dish! Swap the ground beef for turkey or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Experiment with different cheeses or toss in your favorite veggies for a personal twist that’ll make your Baked Ziti uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating Baked Ziti

To store leftover Baked Ziti, let it cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Baked Ziti

This professional-quality Baked Ziti relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes, I whip up this Baked Ziti for friends’ gathering, and their delighted faces remind me why I love cooking; there’s nothing like seeing loved ones enjoy a hearty meal together!

FAQs About Baked Ziti

What is Baked Ziti?

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that combines pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich blend of cheeses, baked until bubbly and golden. Typically made with ziti or penne pasta, this comforting dish is layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and ricotta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Often enjoyed at family gatherings or special occasions, Baked Ziti offers a taste of home that everyone loves. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe guarantees delicious results.

Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time! Just assemble the dish as instructed, but instead of baking it immediately, cover it with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake it according to the recipe instructions. This makes it perfect for meal prep or when hosting guests, allowing you to enjoy your company without being stuck in the kitchen.

What can I substitute for ricotta in Baked Ziti?

If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand or prefer a different flavor, you can easily substitute it with cottage cheese or even cream cheese mixed with a little milk to achieve a similar consistency. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used as well. Each alternative brings a unique taste and texture, allowing you to customize your Baked Ziti while maintaining that creamy goodness.

How can I make my Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Making a vegetarian Baked Ziti is simple and just as delicious! Instead of ground meat, use roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add depth and flavor. You can also incorporate sautéed spinach or kale for added nutrients. Just replace the meat sauce with a marinara sauce loaded with your chosen veggies, and you’ll have a satisfying vegetarian dish that will please everyone at the table.

Conclusion for Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a delightful dish that captures the warmth of home-cooked meals with its comforting layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe allows for creativity with substitutions, making it easy to cater to various dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty family dinner or serve it at a gathering, the delightful flavors of Baked Ziti will surely impress. Remember, this dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and delicious memories.