From the Cook
1/2
Easy Baked Ziti
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the ziti to the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce.
4
Spray an extra-large skillet generously with nonstick cooking spray, then set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until lightly browned, 4-5 minutes.
5
Drain the fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the stove, and reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the marinara sauce over the meat and stir to combine. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture.
6
Place the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a rubber spatula to thoroughly combine.
7
Return the drained ziti to the pot. Add the meat sauce and stir to thoroughly coat the noodles.
8
Transfer 1/3 of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Drop half the ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over the ziti, and gently spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. Repeat with another 1/3 of the noodles, the remaining ricotta, and another cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with the last 1/3 of noodles. Sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the top of the dish.
9
Cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.
10
Bake the spaghetti on middle rack of oven for 40 minutes.
11
Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking until cheese on top is golden brown, 15 minutes.
12
Check to see that ziti is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
13
Allow the ziti to rest for 20 minutes. Before serving, top with parsley if you like.
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Brown Ground Beef Thoroughly 🍖Break the meat into small pieces while browning and cook until deeply caramelized, not just gray—this develops rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water for Sauce 💧Save 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water to thin the marinara sauce if needed, helping it coat the ziti evenly and bind with the cheese mixture.
- Don't Overcook the Ziti 🍝Cook pasta 1-2 minutes under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven—this prevents a mushy, overcooked final dish.
- Mix Cheeses Strategically 🧀Combine ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan in the sauce layer, then top with extra mozzarella for a crispy, golden crust that doesn't dry out.
- Tent with Foil for Even Baking 🛡️Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, then uncover to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
Recipe Facts
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.