Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce and Three Cheeses

My baked ziti recipe is my go-to when I want something warm and comforting. It’s layered with mozzarella, Parmesan, and a creamy ricotta mixture that comes together for a rich, classic baked ziti flavor. It’s easy to make and you can enjoy it any night of the week. It goes great with a garden salad and garlic bread. I have made this version a number of times and it’s always well received at the dinner table.

Love easy casseroles? Try my tuna noodle casserole for another easy weeknight dinner!

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Recipe Overview

• Dish: Baked ziti with ground beef, ricotta mixture, mozzarella and Parmesan
• Flavor profile: Extra cheesy, rich meaty sauce
• Method: Boil pasta + simmer meat sauce + layered bake
• Bake temp/time: 350°F, 20 min covered + 15 min uncovered
• Skill level: Beginner-friendly
• Best for: Weeknight dinner, Sunday dinner, meal prep
• Standout tip: Rest before slicing for clean layers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A go-to comfort food with a rich meat sauce and cheesy layers
• Great meal prep dish for busy weeks
• Crowd pleasing and reheats beautifully
• Easy to customize
• That golden cheesy top is always a win

Key Ingredients

The full ingredient list can be found in the recipe card.

• Ziti pasta: Elongated pasta that’s perfect for holding sauce and keeping its form after baking.
• Ground beef: Meat of choice for making a hearty meat sauce.
• Marinara sauce: Classic sauce that elevates the flavor of your casserole.
• Ricotta + egg: Creates a creamy, structured filling that bakes up soft but not runny.
• Mozzarella: The cheese that builds the classic layers of this casserole.
• Parmesan: Adds sharp, salty flavor, complementing the other cheeses.
• Garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes: Build aroma, flavor and balance with optional heat.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage (or a mix).
• Make it milder: For less kick, eliminate the red pepper flakes.
• Add vegetables: Stir sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers into the sauce.
• Cheese variation: So many to choose from. Add provolone or use an Italian blend for the topping.
• Extra saucy: Add more marinara if you like your ziti a little saucier!

Tools You Will Need

• Large pot (for pasta)
• Colander (to drain pasta)
• Mixing bowl (for ricotta mixture)
• Dutch oven or large skillet (for meat sauce)
• 9×13 baking dish (or similar casserole dish)
• Foil

Watch Me Make Baked Ziti

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 1: Make the ricotta mixture

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup parmesan. Add the chopped parsley and egg. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper, then mix until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to a pot of water and bring to a boil. Add the ziti and cook 1–2 minutes less than the package directions (al dente), stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Start the meat sauce

Using medium heat, bring a Dutch oven to temperature. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Season and finish browning

Season with the remaining salt and pepper. Add the garlic and continue browning for 3 more minutes or until beef is no longer pink.

Step 5: Add marinara and seasonings

Pour in the marinara sauce. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

Step 6: Simmer the sauce

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and set sauce aside.

Step 7: Layer the casserole

Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Add a layer of pasta, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese, then dollop the ricotta mixture on top.

Step 8: Finish the top layer

Add a final layer of meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the remaining parmesan.

Step 9: Bake

Cover gently with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti is the main dish that has it all. When considering what to pair it with, I always go light. A simple salad and some delicious garlic bread are my go-to sides. They complement the richness of this cheesy masterpiece so well. However, if you want to add a warm vegetable side, this ziti goes great with Brussels sprouts, asparagus or fried cabbage. Baked ziti is such a crowd pleaser and is great for a family dinner or potluck.

How to Store

Baked ziti is a great dish to prepare ahead of time for dinner or for meal planning. Once prepared, allow it to completely cool before storing. Place your ziti in an airtight container and transfer to the fridge. Ziti is good in the refrigerator for 4 days. When freezing, wrap it in foil and plastic wrap before placing in a freezer safe bag. It will last in the freezer for 3 months.

To reheat, cover with foil and place in the oven and heat for 20-30 minutes or until it has reached your desired consistency. You can microwave to reheat. Set the microwave to reheat in short increments of 60-90 seconds until it is hot.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it to the transcript’s timing helps it stay firm after baking.
• Season the ricotta mixture: This is where a lot of flavor lives—don’t skip it.
• Use foil gently: Don’t press foil into the cheese; tent it slightly to prevent sticking.
• Let it rest 10–15 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
• Balance the salt: Marinara brands vary—taste the sauce before baking and adjust if needed.
• Want extra browned top? Broil briefly at the end (watch closely).

FAQ

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