Baked Ziti
Easy, Cheesy Classic Baked Ziti Recipe with Optional Balanced Heat
Baked Ziti is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food, combining perfectly cooked ziti pasta with a rich marinara sauce, ground beef (or Italian sausage), and layers of creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese. This recipe delivers the classic, deeply satisfying casserole everyone loves. It's fantastic for feeding a crowd and is simple enough for a weeknight.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons Eleven Eleven Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: For a delicious twist, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of Blazing Citrus Medium sauce into the meat sauce before baking for a Balanced heat and bright citrus note that elevates the tomato base.
Heat Level: 8 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus Hot Sauce is our extreme heat champion, built for serious spice fans and challenge seekers. Carolina Reaper peppers deliver searing intensity, while fresh grapefruit and lemon juice replace vinegar for a bright, tangy lift and full flavor. It is very spicy yet vibrant, turning wings, tacos, grilled meats, and bowls into a bold, citrus charged experience. Turn the heat all the way up and get maximum flavor in every drop.
1. Preheat oven to 375∘F (190∘C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain well and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and onion and cook, breaking up the meat, until browned. Drain the fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using the Eleven Eleven Sauce’s Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce, stir it in now. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg until well combined. In a very large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce until fully coated.
5. Spread half of the meat sauce and pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Dot spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella.
6. Add the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, spreading evenly. Top the entire dish with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let stand for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Tips & Variations
Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the filling for extra vegetables.
For a brighter flavor, use 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning instead of just oregano.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs over the top mozzarella layer before baking for a crunchier crust.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing ziti pasta with 1 pound of penne or rigatoni pasta because their ridges hold the sauce better.
Replacing ricotta cheese with 15 ounces of cottage cheese for a less expensive and equally creamy binder.
Replacing ground beef with 1 pound of ground Italian sausage (hot or sweet) for a stronger, more complex meat flavor.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Store cooled leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 350∘F oven.
To freeze, cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 610 Protein: 35g Carbs: 60g Fat: 26g
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