A classic baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food casserole. It's a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy weekend meal. The beauty of a great baked ziti lies in its simplicity: tender pasta and a rich, savory meat sauce all held together by a gooey blanket of melted cheese.

This recipe takes a straightforward approach, focusing on a flavorful beef and tomato sauce and a blend of cheeses that melt into a perfect, bubbly topping. The key is to undercook the pasta just slightly before baking, which prevents it from becoming mushy and ensures it finishes cooking in the oven, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Classic Baked Cheese Ziti

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ziti or penne pasta

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce

  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce and Pasta

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti for about 2 minutes less than the package directions. It should be very al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

  3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat.

  4. Add Flavor: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-10 minutes.

2. Make the Ricotta Mixture

  1. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the egg, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. The egg helps to bind the ricotta and keep it from becoming too watery.

3. Assemble the Casserole

  1. Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti and the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated.

  2. Layer the Dish:

    • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

    • Add about half of the ziti mixture to the dish.

    • Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.

    • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.

    • Top with the remaining ziti mixture.

  3. Final Touches: Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

4. Bake and Serve

  1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling.

  2. Rest: Let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes after you take it out of the oven. This allows the sauce to set and makes it easier to serve without everything falling apart.

  3. Serve hot, with a side salad and garlic bread.

Tips for a Perfect Baked Ziti

  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: This is the most important tip. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so starting it very al dente is crucial to avoid a mushy casserole.

  • The Power of the Egg: The egg in the ricotta mixture is key. It helps to keep the ricotta creamy and prevents it from becoming watery during baking.

  • Customize the Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheeses! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even some shredded Parmesan in the top layer can add a wonderful flavor.

  • Make it Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.