Do you ever need a recipe to feed a crowd or a hearty meal that guarantees delicious leftovers? If so, Baked Ziti is the perfect dish! Not only is this easy pasta bake a family favorite, but it also makes a fantastic make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights. Simply cook it up on Sunday, and you'll have flavorful leftovers ready for the next day—or even two! Loaded with tender noodles, rich marinara sauce, and layers of melted cheese, this baked ziti recipe never disappoints. And while there are a few simple steps involved, the process is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned home cooks.
This recipe is not just a family favorite for meal time...it is perfect for company or feeding a crowd!
Looking for another Italian style family favorite? Try this Chicken Mozzarella Pasta soon!
Ingredients
- ziti noodles
- marinara sauce
- hamburger meat or Italian sausage or combo
- mozzarella cheese
- parmesan cheese
- onion
- Italian seasoning
- garlic powder
- pepper
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
This recipe is so so simple to assemble. Boil the noodles according to package directions. After browning meat with the onions add the marinara and seasonings. Grating all your cheese while everything is cooking will make your assembly time easier. Mix together the noodles and meat mixture until well coated. In a casserole dish add a layer of noodle mixture then top with mozzarella cheese followed by another layer of noodle mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and take of foil, add remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. and a sprinkling of extra Italian seasoning on the top if you desire. Bake again for 10 minutes. So simple! Watch the video below for step by step instructions or see recipe card below.
Variations and Substitutions
My family likes hamburger for the base the most. However, I personally love half hamburger and half Italian sausage! YUM! Not an onion fan? Leave them out. If you are an onions and peppers fan I would encourage you to add them in while browning your meat. The flavor is delicious.
Equipment
Having a large deep skillet is a must with this meal as you will be combining all those noodles and the meat mixture together. I sometimes 1 and ½ this recipe so I need a pan larger than a 9x13. Here is a link to a favorite of mine.
Top Tip
If you're going to make this recipe, make sure to follow this top tip!
Using a good marinara is so important. If you don't make your own find a good quality one that you love and dress it up a bit by adding a sprinkle of seasonings.
Other Main Dishes
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 16 oz package ziti noodles (penne works too)
- 1 lb. meat hamburger, or mild Italian sausage or combination
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ½ small onion diced
- 4 cups marinara sauce 32 oz
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning plus extra for topping
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.16 oz package ziti noodles
- Brown meat and onion in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring until meat crumbles. Drain mixture and return to skillet. Add Italian seasoning, garlic and pepper.1 lb. meat, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ½ small onion
- Add sauce and ziti to meat mixture. Layer half of ziti mixture in 9x13 inch pan. Layer ½ Mozzarella cheese. Spoon remaining ziti mixture over Mozzarella cheese and cover with aluminum foil.4 cups marinara sauce, 16 oz mozzarella cheese
- Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil; add remaining Mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle additional Italian seasoning on top. Bake 10 additional minutes until melty and bubbly.16 oz mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup parmesan cheese
theresa crossland says
This is so very yummy!
Misty Tannery says
So glad you like it!! It’s a fav at my house!
Glòria NTSP says
This recipe looks very tasty.
Thanks for sharing
Ptnts
Glòria
Misty Tannery says
Thank you! I hope you try it!