Baked Ziti is so much more than just a Bolognese pasta bake…. It’s a big, juicy baked pasta that’s loaded with flavour from a healthy dose of seasonings and topped with a generous amount of cheese. Cosy food that’s easy enough for midweek yet worthy of company.
Bonus: perfect freezer friendly meal!
Baked Ziti
Let’s be clear here – this is not just another pasta bake. This is the mother of all pasta bakes!
While some recipes might be satisfied making Baked Ziti using a basic meat sauce, this one is made with a good amount of seasonings which adds a TON of flavour into the meat itself which then seeps into the tomato sauce as it simmers away….
It’s one of the best pasta sauces you’ll ever make without simmering for hours like we do for Ragu. You may never make Bolognese again – just make spaghetti with THIS meat sauce instead!😂
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked Ziti is an American classic pasta bake made with a tomato based meat sauce similar to Bolognese. “Ziti” is a type of pasta that looks like penne, except it’s got a smooth surface rather than ridges.
While Baked Ziti is an Italian American dish, it has Italian origins – pasta bakes like this have existed in Italy for centuries!
There’s no definitive way to make it. Some people like to use all beef, others pork, and some use Italian sausages. People use different cheeses, some make it meatless, and everyone has different seasonings.
This version I make is a classic one – except I like to use a boost of extra seasonings so the meat sauce is loaded with flavour!
What goes in Baked Ziti
Here’s what goes in my Baked Ziti.
-
Meat – Use all beef for a classic version, though if you want to make the meat sauce even more amazing, then use 50/50 pork and beef (pork makes the meat sauce richer and adds flavour!).
-
Tomato Passata – While most recipes will use ordinary crushed tomato for the sauce, I opt to use Tomato Passata* – known as tomato puree in America – because it makes this pasta bake much juicier. There’s nothing sadder than breaking through that golden cheesy top to find dry pasta underneath!
* See recipe for subs
And here are the seasonings. Fennel is optional but if you use a combination of pork and beef for the meat sauce, it gives it an extra special touch because pork and fennel are a classic pairing!
How to make it
If you know how to make Bolognese, you’ll be right at home making Baked Ziti! After the meat sauce is made, it’s simply a matter of assembling:
-
Mix some of the meat sauce through the pasta;
-
Pour into baking dish;
-
Top with ricotta; and
-
Pour over remaining meat sauce then top with cheese.
America has a thing about adding ricotta into Lasagna type things which we here Down Under do not. But out of respect for authenticity, I’ve gone with ricotta in this Baked Ziti and I’m pretty sure I’ll never go back now. It’s like bonus creaminess in amongst all that tomatoey, meaty, cheesy goodness…. 😂
Quick tips
-
Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time? Absolutely! Cook the ziti and sauce, then let them cool before assembling the Baked Ziti. Top with cheese then refrigerate or freeze, then bake when you want to serve it!
-
Should I cover Baked Ziti while it’s baking? Yes. Cover loosely with foil so it doesn’t stick to the cheese, then bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil so the cheese can go bubbly and golden!
-
How long to leave Baked Ziti in the oven? 20 minutes covered then a further 10 to 15 minutes uncovered art 350F / 180C.
-
What can I use instead of ziti? Penne is a perfect substitute – it’s basically ziti but with ridges on the surface instead of being smooth. Spirals, macaroni and small shells would also be ideal here.
What goes with Baked Ziti
Here’s a few suggestions for things to serve on the side. Obviously nobody is going to complain if you bring some Garlic Bread to the table, but to get some greens into your meal, add a quick side salad! A classic pairing would be a Arugula/Rocket Salad with Balsamic Dressing and Shaved Parmesan.
Sides to serve with Baked Ziti
Ahh, the weekend is here. I see myself on the couch tonight, coddling a bowl of this Baked Ziti and binge watching something brainless on Netflix. Now that is a Friday night worth planning! – Nagi x
Watch How To Make It
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 300g / 10oz ziti or penne pasta (Note 1)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 small onion (brown, white or yellow), finely chopped
- 500g / 1 lb ground beef or pork OR 50/50 combo (Note 2)
- 700g / 24 oz tomato passata (pureed tomato, Note 3)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp EACH dried basil, oregano, sugar
- 1 cup ricotta , optional (Note 4)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or other melting cheese)
- 1 cup parmesan , freshly grated (optional)
- Finely chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish)
Seasonings:
- 2 tsp fennel seeds (optional, Note 5)
- 1 tbsp paprika (plain or sweet)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper OR 3/4 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp EACH salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook ziti for the recommended cooking time on the packet MINUS 2 minutes. (Note 5) Drain, then return to pot.
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
- Make Sauce: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until onion is translucent.
- Add meat and cook, breaking it up as you go. When it is just cooked, add Seasonings and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add passata, water, basil, oregano and sugar. Bring to simmer, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste (remember it gets spread across lots of pasta).
- Toss Ziti with Sauce: Pour about 2 cups of sauce into the pot with the ziti. Toss.
- Assemble: Spread ziti into baking dish (23x33cm / 9x13"). Dollop with ricotta. Pour over remaining sauce. Top with cheese and parmesan.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake further 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is golden.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley or basil if desired, then serve!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Originally published April 2016, modified October 2018 to include ricotta, and updated March 2020 with a new video!
More ways to get your pasta fix!
Life of Dozer
What could possibly be so interesting that he’s not heavy breathing on the bowl of pasta?? 🤔
A) A pretty lady-goldie
B) Grocery delivery truck
C) A bird
I usually modify recipes or combine elements from multiple sources to get my perfect recipe. This was perfect exactly as is. (I used all the optional ingredients except the ricotta). My entire family loved it!
Another wonderful recipe! Is there a good substitute for fennel you could recommend?
Hi Erin, you can just leave it out if you prefer 🙂 N x
The two times I had fennel (before I found out I was allergic), I really liked the taste. If there is no substitute, I can leave it out again. It was absolutely fabulous without it!
how long can this stay frozen for? Also love this recipe, my family of 9 loved this & just wanted more. so easy to make in bulk as well (i have to make about 2 trays)
I wouldn’t go past maybe 2 or 3 months simply due to flavor.
how long can this stay frozen for?
It’s a good’n. I’ve come to trust your recipes and not feel the need to amend. Works well, very tasty.
Thank you Nagi, another dinner winner! More than a spag bol, less than a lasagne but better in my opinion. Don’t skip the fennel seeds …they’re the hero of this dish.
What brand Ricotta cheese would you recommend?
Hi Nagi, I made made this delicious dishes third times today, I have put every things include fennel seed, so tasty my 3 kids and hubby love them thank you you r the best and hug to Dozer so cute
I’d rate this a 4 to 5. I think I’d go with a bit less cayenne next time. I used chicken stock instead of water because I had some open. I also used portobello mushrooms instead of meat. Very tasty, will def make again!
Delish! Loved the fennel 👌 Thank-you!
Everyone here really enjoyed this dish. I did make a few adjustments just because of personal preferences. Halved the paprika, chili flakes, parmesan, and fennel seed. Since we have 28 oz. cans of puree, I just used a 16 oz box of pasta which worked well, and added another cup of Mozz. My wife who is picky loved it! I suggest you use a really good can of tomatoes, it makes a difference. Really excellent dinner!
Oh this is delicious!! Fussy husband and brother enjoyed as well. I found the cayenne pepper a bit hot for me so maybe I’ll leave it out next time.
Just loving your recipes!
Hi Nagi,
I love your recipes! Making this with a friend, and she’s insisting on adding red wine to the meat sauce. I’ve never altered your recipes past your tips, is this going to ruin the ziti?
I trust you over friends! 😂 thank you and give dozer a big hug! Did you ever find out what he was looking at? 😍
Red wine is a key ingredient in tomato red meat sauces actually
Yes I definitely added some red wine