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Home Pasta

Baked Ziti

By:Nagi
Published:7 Mar '20Updated:10 Jan '23
430 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

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!

Close up of serving Baked Ziti fresh out of the oven

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!😂

Close up of Baked Ziti in a bowl, ready to be eaten

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!

Baked Ziti Sauce in a black skillet, ready to pour over ziti pasta

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 because it is thick and smooth so it creates a better sauce. There’s nothing sadder than breaking through that golden cheesy top to find dry pasta underneath!

    In contrast, crushed or diced tomato has chunks of tomato in a more watery tomato sauce. It will still work, but the sauce won’t be as thick and won’t coat the pasta as well as pictured. To use canned tomato as a substitute, it’s best to add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, to help thicken it up a touch.

Ingredients in Baked Ziti

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!

Spice flavourings in Baked Ziti

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.

How to make Baked Ziti - preparation steps

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…. 😂

Overhead of Baked Ziti in a baking dish, fresh out of the oven

Quick tips

  1. 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!

  2. 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!

  3. How long to leave Baked Ziti in the oven? 20 minutes covered then a further 10 to 15 minutes uncovered art 350F / 180C.

  4. 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.

  5. What can I use instead of tomato passata / tomato puree? Canned crushed tomato + 2 tablespoons of tomato paste is a suitable substitute. The pasta sauce won’t be quite as thick because canned tomato is a more watery sauce with chunks of tomato in it. The other (actually, better) substitute is what is called “tomato sauce” in America which is basically passata with a bit of seasonings in it. While readily available in US grocery stores, it’s not available here in Australia.

Baked Ziti in a white baking dish, fresh out of the oven

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.

Side salad suggestions to serve with Baked Ziti

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Side Salads

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

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Close up of serving Baked Ziti fresh out of the oven

Baked Ziti

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 1 hour hr
Total: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Dinner
American, Western
4.96 from 138 votes
Servings6
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 912
Recipe video above. A big, juicy pasta bake! It’s meaty, cheesy, and loaded with flavour from a healthy dose of seasonings. This great American classic may well be the mother of all pasta bakes….

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)
  • 1/4 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 / 9×13"). 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:

1. Ziti – Penne and ziti are the same shape, but ziti is smooth whereas penne has ridges. If you can’t find Ziti, use penne or other pastas of similar shape such as rigatoni, spirals or even macaroni.
2. Meat – My favourite is 50/50 beef and pork (used in video) but I usually make this with all beef or all pork.
3. Tomato passata is called Tomato Puree in America. It is just plain, pureed tomato. It is NOT tomato paste which is sour, concentrated tomato. It creates a thicker smoother sauce than using crushed canned tomatoes. In Australia it’s available in supermarkets in the pasta section and the good value ones are cheaper than canned tomato. 
Substitute: Use 800g (28oz) can crushed tomato + 2 tbsp tomato paste. Or use a blender to puree canned tomatoes, or you use store bought plain pasta sauce (Marinara) instead or what’s called Tomato Sauce in America (which is passata with a small amount of seasonings).
4. Ricotta – optional. For a try Baked Ziti experience the classic American way, include it! Ensure you use a creamy ricotta  not dry crumbly one. If crumbly, make it creamier using milk or cream. 
5. Fennel is an essential seasoning in real Italian sausages. If you don’t like it / have it, this can be skipped.
6. Make ahead / storage: The best way is to cook the pasta, toss in a bit of oil then let it cool. Cook sauce then cool covered. Then assemble per recipe, stop with cheese, refrigerate or freeze. If frozen, defrost for 24 hours in the fridge. Then bake for around 30 – 35 minutes, being 25 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered (takes a bit longer when cooked from cold).

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 364gCalories: 557cal (28%)Carbohydrates: 51g (17%)Protein: 39g (78%)Fat: 21g (32%)Saturated Fat: 10g (63%)Cholesterol: 93mg (31%)Sodium: 1016mg (44%)Potassium: 865mg (25%)Fiber: 4g (17%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 1250IU (25%)Vitamin C: 12.9mg (16%)Calcium: 454mg (45%)Iron: 4.8mg (27%)
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Baked Ziti Recipe, Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Originally published April 2016, modified October 2018 to include ricotta, and updated March 2020 with a new video!

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Hi, I'm Nagi!

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430 Comments

  1. Jane says

    September 14, 2023 at 1:22 pm

    I made this last night, very tasty, easy and the family enjoyed very much xx

    Reply
  2. heath torstenson says

    August 28, 2023 at 12:55 pm

    5 stars
    Very good, I did however add a little more water and put the noodles in uncooked and baked it until the noodles were tender. And I chopped up Johnsonville pork brats to in with the beef Very goooood!

    Reply
  3. Lesley Griffith says

    August 18, 2023 at 7:23 pm

    5 stars
    this is really good

    Reply
  4. Mandy in East Yorkshire England says

    August 15, 2023 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    Another belter , made with GF pasta as im a coeliac… My family loved it … Much less fuss than a lasagne and very very similar. . thanks Nagi

    Reply
  5. Mrs D says

    June 26, 2023 at 11:46 am

    5 stars
    My family loved this. I used half lean ground beef and half good ground Italian sausage. Spooned out about 2/3 of the fat. I cut back on the fennel but, next time, I might use the full 2 tsps. So happy to have found your recipe and thanks for sharing, Nagi!

    Reply
  6. Lyndaro says

    May 21, 2023 at 6:46 pm

    5 stars
    Another keeper from RecipeTin Eats- had some ricotta to use up and came across this recipe- was loved by the whole family
    I added spinach leaves for some extra veg

    Reply
  7. Rachel Hodgetts says

    April 27, 2023 at 7:18 am

    5 stars
    Delicious! Beautiful flavours. Hubby and my son loved the flavour of cayenne pepper.. my daughter and I struggled haha! Pushed through as it was so yum! Xxx

    Reply
  8. Venessa Bossenger says

    March 25, 2023 at 4:43 am

    5 stars
    Super delicious meal, THANKS Nagi!!❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

    Reply
  9. Ruby says

    March 21, 2023 at 12:47 pm

    5 stars
    One of the best pasta bake dishes on the planet. All the ingredients marry into one another, to deliver the most delicious bakes. Btw Kids loved it too.

    Reply
  10. Grace says

    March 6, 2023 at 10:46 am

    Ricotta is not authentic in Italy. Maybe in the US they use it but in Italy it is rarely used in lasagne etc.

    Reply
    • stephanie murphy says

      August 9, 2023 at 8:17 pm

      Actually that’s not accurate. It’s southern Italian. My Grandma was from Calabria and she used it in Lasagna, meat sauce, bakes and even to stuff the Thanksgiving Turkey in America. The white sauce with flour is the northern Italian variation. I’m biased and prefer good, solid Ricotta in Lasagna !

      Reply
  11. Beth says

    February 26, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! A restaurant quality recipe! This was absolutely delicious. I wasn’t sure about the paprika, but this clearly needs to be added to every tomato sauce! ♥️

    Reply
  12. Trudy says

    January 20, 2023 at 12:49 pm

    Loved this recipe (dangerously delicious)! Used ground beef and pork, tomato purée, elbow macaroni and also used some cream cheese to supplement ricotta. The fennel seed is a must and adds the perfect flavor. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful recipe, Nagi!

    Reply
  13. Jan Wise says

    January 10, 2023 at 5:32 am

    Made a half recipe of the Baked Ziti. Delicious!

    Reply
  14. Megan says

    December 30, 2022 at 3:14 am

    5 stars
    Made this for Christmas Dinner and it was excellent. It was great the next days as leftovers.

    Reply
  15. Julie Farris says

    November 21, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    I made this tonight for dinner and it was soooooooo delicious! My family loved it and said “it’s a keeper! ” Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
  16. Dee says

    November 8, 2022 at 12:40 am

    5 stars
    Very much enjoyed by my family. Used 1/2 tsp fennel seed and was plenty for our taste. Added carrot, celery, zucchini and cauliflower blitzed in Thermomix and extra 1/2 cup of water after beef had cooked. No ricotta. Baked in oven with no cover until cheese was golden (about 25 min).

    Reply
    • Smith Bobson says

      August 24, 2023 at 9:42 pm

      That’s a different recipe though

      Reply
  17. Leila says

    October 3, 2022 at 11:58 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe has been a really special recipe for me.
     

    Reply
  18. Carrie says

    October 3, 2022 at 7:56 am

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious and easy to make! A big hit with my family. They begged me to make it again.

    Reply
  19. Marissa B. says

    September 28, 2022 at 12:30 am

    Can I split this up into two 8×8 baking dishes? Will it be the same baking instructions?

    Reply
    • Lou says

      November 20, 2022 at 8:32 am

      You can absolutely split in to two dishes. May take slightly less baking, just watch for bubbling edges and you should be good to go. All ingredients are cooked thoroughly prior to baking.

      Reply
  20. Lucretia says

    September 19, 2022 at 8:11 am

    Love this recipe… I used ground beef and sausage + fennel… white cooking wine to saute the fresh onions peppers and garlic.. soooo good

    Reply
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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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