Baked Ziti: Cheesy, Saucy and Easy to Make Ahead

Baked ziti is the kind of dish that feeds a crowd and makes everyone happy: tender tube pasta tossed with a rich tomato meat sauce, creamy ricotta and plenty of mozzarella, baked until bubbling and golden. It is simpler than lasagna, because there are no layers to assemble, but it has the same comforting flavor.

Baked ziti is also one of the best make-ahead dinners. Assemble it a day ahead, bake it when you need it and it tastes even better. It also freezes beautifully, which makes it ideal for busy weeks, potlucks, new parents and holiday gatherings.

What makes this baked ziti great

• A flavorful sauce. Browned beef and Italian sausage, onion, garlic and crushed tomatoes simmered together give the sauce depth.
• Undercooked pasta. Boiling the ziti 2 minutes less than the package says prevents mushy pasta after it bakes in the sauce.
• Ricotta for creaminess. A mix of ricotta, Parmesan, egg and parsley gives pockets of creamy filling.
• Two kinds of cheese on top. Mozzarella melts and stretches; Parmesan adds a salty crust.

Tips

• Salt the pasta water well so the pasta has flavor inside.
• Use plenty of sauce. The ziti will absorb some of it while baking, so the mixture should look slightly saucy before it goes in the oven.
• Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to keep the pasta from drying out, then uncover to brown the cheese.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so it holds together when served.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself for the best melt.

Make ahead and freeze

Assemble the dish, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time. To freeze, wrap the unbaked dish well and freeze for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge. Leftovers keep for 4 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Variations

• Vegetarian: replace the meat with roasted mushrooms and spinach; see our mushroom lasagna.
• Extra cheesy: add provolone or fontina to the topping.
• Spicy: use hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes.

What to serve with it

A crisp green salad and warm garlic bread are all you need. Try our garlic knots or rosemary garlic focaccia and a Caesar salad.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

Baked ziti uses tube pasta mixed into the sauce and cheese, while lasagna has flat noodles layered with filling. Baked ziti is faster to assemble.

Can I use penne?

Yes, penne, rigatoni or any short tube pasta works well.