Name: Easy Weeknight Baked Ziti – A Cozy Classic Without the Fuss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Some nights, you just need a warm, cheesy pasta dish that comes together without much effort. That’s where this Weeknight Baked Ziti shines! It’s the perfect mix of hearty, cheesy, and comforting—without the layers and time commitment of a full-on lasagna. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for the week, this baked ziti is a must-have in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy – No complicated layering, just mix and bake!
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Great for meal prep – Make it ahead, freeze it, or enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Budget-friendly – Simple pantry ingredients make this an affordable weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ziti pasta
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Marinara sauce
Ricotta or cottage cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Garlic, onion, and seasonings

Full list of ingredients with measurements can be found below.

Directions

Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Meat

In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with diced onions and garlic until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Stir until well combined.

Assemble and Bake

Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before scooping out big, cheesy servings!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use good-quality marinara – A flavorful sauce makes all the difference!
Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue to cook in the oven, so al dente is best.
Let it rest – Give it a few minutes before serving so the cheese sets up nicely.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it vegetarian – Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spice it up – Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
Try different cheeses – Mix in provolone, fontina, or even a little smoked gouda.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This baked ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon rounds out the meal perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze – Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I have to use ziti pasta?
Nope! Penne or rigatoni work just as well.

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of marinara?
Yes, for a creamy version, swap out marinara for Alfredo.

What’s the best way to make this extra cheesy?
Mix extra cheese into the pasta and add an extra layer on top before baking!

Conclusion

This Weeknight Baked Ziti is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor—all without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a dish to share with friends, this baked ziti never disappoints.

Easy Weeknight Baked Ziti – A Cozy Classic Without the Fuss

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This Easy Weeknight Baked Ziti is a cozy, cheesy classic that comes together quickly without the fuss of layering. Perfect for busy nights, this hearty pasta dish is family-friendly, budget-friendly, and great for meal prep. Serve it with a crisp salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with diced onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned meat mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
Let the baked ziti rest before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Add extra cheese for an even cheesier bite!