Comfort Food Baked Ziti

Name: Comfort Food Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz ziti pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 15 oz ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Classic Planning

When I crave something hearty and satisfying, I turn to my Comfort Food Baked Ziti recipe. The bubbly cheese, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce create the ultimate comfort dish that warms my soul. I love how the layers of ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend together, making each bite creamy and indulgent. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that reminds me of family gatherings. Whether it’s a cozy night in or feeding a crowd, this baked ziti always hits the spot and brings joy to the table.

Created by

Zara Ellington

Last updated on 2026-02-01T14:41:35.964Z

This baked ziti has been a staple in my household for years, passed down through generations. I remember the first time I made it from scratch; my family couldn't get enough! I experimented with seasonings and cheese kinds until I found the perfect blend that everyone loves. It’s truly a labor of love.

The trick to achieving that perfect layer of cheesy goodness is to allow the ziti to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This simple step makes it easier to slice and serve. Plus, the flavors have time to mingle just a bit more!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy cheese that blends beautifully with ziti
A rich tomato sauce that's bursting with flavor
Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner

      

Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Ziti

To achieve that perfect balance of texture in your baked ziti, it's crucial to cook the ziti just until al dente. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft during baking. Aim for a cooking time that is 1-2 minutes less than recommended on the package. You'll know it's ready when the pasta is firm to the bite but not hard in the center.

When preparing the meat sauce, make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to enhance its flavor. Unlike simply cooking until it’s no longer pink, you want to develop a nice crust on the meat, which contributes a deeper richness to the overall dish. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and stir continuously to avoid burning.

Ingredient Roles and Substitutions

The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a creamy texture and a rich flavor profile that is the hallmark of a good baked ziti. Ricotta adds a slight sweetness, while mozzarella offers that gooey stretch. If you're looking for a dairy-free version, consider using a plant-based ricotta or blending silken tofu with nutritional yeast for a similar creaminess.

For the marinara sauce, homemade can vastly elevate the flavor, but if you're using store-bought, choose one with minimal additives. A sauce with a good balance of acidity and sweetness will enhance all the other flavors. If you're on a low-carb diet, zoodles (zucchini noodles) can replace ziti for a lighter version.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious baked ziti:

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Once you've assembled the ingredients, you’re ready to get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Comfort Food Baked Ziti:

Cook the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, draining excess fat. Mix in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.

Layer the Dish

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce. Layer the pasta mixture on top, then add the remaining meat sauce. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serve

Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Enjoy this baked ziti with a side salad or garlic bread!

Pro Tips

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the great things about this Comfort Food Baked Ziti is that it can be prepared in advance. Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover it with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to eat, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed—just add an extra 10-15 minutes if it's coming straight from the refrigerator.

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Transfer any uneaten ziti to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Serving Suggestions

Consider pairing your baked ziti with a crisp, refreshing salad to cut through the richness of the cheese and sauce. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon can be a delightful contrast. A side of garlic bread is also a classic pair, offering a crunchy texture to balance the creamy dish.

For an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning on top before serving. Fresh basil as a garnish not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh aroma that complements the baked ziti nicely.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream as an alternative.

→ Can I freeze the baked ziti?

Absolutely! Just freeze it before baking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

→ What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Feel free to substitute with provolone, gouda, or any cheese that melts beautifully!