Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried basil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Sunday Baked Ziti for family gatherings; it’s a dish that brings everyone together. The cheesy goodness and hearty pasta make it a crowd-pleaser, and I can prepare it in advance, allowing me to enjoy the company of my loved ones. Plus, layering flavors throughout the cooking process results in a delightful meal that warms the soul. It’s perfect for those lazy weekends when all I want is comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:52:11.527Z

When I first tried my hand at making baked ziti, I was overwhelmed by how many ways I could layer flavors. I experimented with different cheeses and sauces until I found the perfect combination. The secret, I discovered, is to sauté garlic and onion to build a flavor base before adding the meat and tomato sauce. Each layer then contributes to a comforting, rich flavor that’s irresistible!

I also learned that letting the assembled dish sit for a bit before baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taking a moment to sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top is a must; it turns into a bubbly, golden crust that captures everyone’s attention as soon as it comes out of the oven. This dish is always a winner!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe:
        Hearty pasta layered with zesty sauce and gooey cheese
Perfect for sharing during gatherings and celebrations
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins

      

The Importance of Layering Flavors

When making Sunday Baked Ziti, layering flavors is crucial for achieving a deep, satisfying taste. The process of sautéing the onion and garlic until they're soft and fragrant not only builds the foundation of the dish but also enhances the overall flavor profile. The sweetness from the onions, combined with the savory garlic, creates a rich base that elevates the meat and sauce. Don't rush this step—give the aromatics time to release their natural sugars to achieve that glossy, caramelized finish.

In addition to sautéing, allowing the sauce to simmer after adding the crushed tomatoes and herbs deepens the flavors, making them more cohesive. A low simmer for about 10 minutes helps the oregano and basil infuse into the tomatoes. This technique blends the acidity of the tomatoes with the herbs, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Choosing the right pasta shape is essential for baked dishes. Ziti is ideal because its ridges and hollow center capture the hearty meat sauce and creamy cheeses, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you can't find ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent alternatives. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the pasta you use, aiming for al dente to prevent mushiness during baking.

The cheesy aspect of this dish is paramount. While ricotta offers a creamy layer, you could substitute it with cottage cheese for a lighter option or even cream cheese if you're looking for a denser texture. When it comes to mozzarella, consider using fresh mozzarella for a more decadent stretch. However, shredded mozzarella works just as well and is easier to handle. The key is to maintain that gooey, cheesy quality throughout the dish.

Make-Ahead and Serving Suggestions

One of the best aspects of Sunday Baked Ziti is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the entire dish up to a day in advance. After assembling the ziti in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before to bring it to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly melted top layer of cheese.

If you're looking to add a little freshness to your baked ziti, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The acidity from the salad contrasts beautifully with the richness of the pasta. You could also sprinkle additional fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before serving to give it an extra kick. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, and they freeze beautifully, making this dish a great option for meal prep.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Sunday Baked Ziti:

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before getting started!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect baked ziti:

Cook the Pasta

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

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, stirring to break it up. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Sauce and Seasonings

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.

Combine with Pasta

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese until well incorporated.

Assemble the Ziti

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the ziti for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

This baked ziti is best enjoyed freshly made but can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked spinach or roasted red peppers to the layers. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like provolone or fontina, for a unique taste.

Troubleshooting Your Baked Ziti

If you find that your baked ziti has turned out too dry, it may be due to overcooking the pasta or not enough sauce. Ensure that your pasta is al dente before baking and consider reserving a little pasta cooking water to add to the mixture if needed. This can help keep it creamy and prevents the dish from being dry after baking.

Conversely, if the ziti ends up too watery, it could be due to excess moisture in the ricotta or using fresh tomatoes instead of canned. To remedy this, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before blending. For fresh tomatoes, consider roasting them first to reduce water content.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is straightforward. For larger gatherings, simply multiply the ingredients; just be mindful of using a larger baking dish to accommodate the increase. A general rule of thumb is about 2 cups of cooked pasta per person, which helps when planning servings.

If you want to prepare a smaller batch, you can also halve the recipe easily. Just ensure that you adjust baking times, as a smaller amount might cook a bit faster. Check for doneness a little earlier by keeping an eye on the cheese—look for that desired golden, bubbly finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

→ Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. You can store it in airtight containers for up to three months.

→ What can I serve with baked ziti?

A simple side salad and garlic bread complement baked ziti beautifully.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just ensure they are similar in size.