Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces ziti pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 24 ounces marinara sauce; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Food Inspiration

I absolutely love making this Sunday Baked Ziti for my family gatherings. There’s something incredibly comforting about creamy pasta layered with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese that brings everyone together. It’s a wonderful way to indulge, especially when you have guests over. As I watch the ziti bubble in the oven, I envision everyone gathered around the table, ready to share stories and enjoy the deliciousness. It’s the kind of dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart on a lazy Sunday.

Created by

Linnea Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:05:35.905Z

When I first made this Sunday Baked Ziti, it was at a family gathering where everyone was craving something hearty. I decided to merge classic Italian flavors with an easy-to-make recipe that allowed me to enjoy the time with my loved ones rather than sweating in the kitchen. The combination of ricotta and mozzarella cheese creates an irresistible stretch that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Over time, I’ve refined my method, and I've found that letting the ziti rest for ten minutes before serving allows the layers to set perfectly. This little tip transforms the dish, making it not only easier to slice but also intensifying the flavors as they meld together beautifully.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty layers of ziti and cheese that will warm your heart
Rich marinara sauce that balances perfectly with creamy ricotta
Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week

      

The Perfect Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in baked ziti involves some careful attention to cooking times and ingredient combinations. When cooking the ziti, aim for al dente, which means the pasta should still have a slight bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy during the baking process, allowing it to provide a satisfying chew. Using a high-quality mozzarella and full-fat ricotta also enhances the creaminess and overall mouthfeel of the dish, ensuring a delightful blend with the marinara sauce.

Another crucial aspect to consider is layering your ingredients properly. Starting with a base of the ziti and meat mixture helps to create a sturdy bottom layer, which will support the ricotta dollops. As you build each layer, visually check that you’re evenly distributing both the meat and cheese. This not only helps with flavor balance but also ensures that every slice of ziti holds together beautifully when served.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this baked ziti plays a specific role in building flavor and texture. For instance, the onion and garlic sautéed in olive oil act as a flavor base, infusing the meat mixture with richness. Avoid browning the garlic too much, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor. Ground turkey is a lean substitute for ground beef if you're looking for a lighter option, while still providing ample flavor when seasoned well.

Don’t skimp on the cheese! The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan provides not only creaminess but also a savory depth to the dish. If you're looking for a lighter cheese option, consider using part-skim mozzarella, which still melts beautifully without all the calories. Vegan alternatives can also work; for example, using cashew cream can replicate the texture of ricotta effectively when seasoned appropriately.

Make-Ahead Tips

Baked ziti is an ideal dish for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. If you'd like to prepare it early, assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, since it will be starting from a colder state. Just ensure it's heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For longer storage, baked ziti can also be frozen. Assemble and freeze before baking for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. You can also freeze leftovers in individual portions, making this a convenient meal for busy nights when you need something quick. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Ingredients

For the Baked Ziti

12 ounces ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or turkey
24 ounces marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to gather everything before you start assembling to streamline the process!

Preparation Steps

Cook the Ziti

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Meat

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Combine Ingredients

Stir marinara sauce into the meat mixture, and then mix in the cooked ziti until well coated. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.

Layer the Dish

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture on top, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Allow the ziti to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven but can also be made ahead and heated up.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mixture. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a twist!

Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the cheese and meat, creating a balanced meal. You might also consider adding sautéed vegetables on the side like zucchini or spinach to increase the nutritional value without overwhelming the dish.

For an extra touch when serving, consider garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. This not only brightens the presentation but also adds a fresh herbal note that complements the depth of the marinara and cheese.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to customize your baked ziti with different proteins or vegetables. Italian sausage can be used for a spicier kick, or you can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté any vegetables beforehand to reduce moisture content and avoid a soggy dish. You can also mix in different cheeses, such as goat cheese or fontina, for a unique twist.

If you're looking to reduce carbs or try something different, swap the ziti for roasted eggplant slices or zucchini noodles. This keeps the essence of baked ziti but aligns with lower-carb dining without losing the delightful layers that make it so satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, you can use penne or any pasta that holds sauce well.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Baked ziti can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meat and add more vegetables or use a meat substitute.