Cheesy Baked Ziti with Homemade Marinara and Crispy Mozzarella

Not sure what to make for dinner? Try baked ziti. This family-favorite is simple to prepare, feeds a crowd, and can be assembled a day ahead for an easy dinner. The sauce is packed with vegetables and protein, and even picky eaters tend to love it.

This approachable baked ziti is ideal for family meals, potlucks, or casual dinner parties. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad and makes a hearty, comforting main course.

The recipe blends lean ground meats with a flavorful marinara loaded with bell pepper and onion, then folds in ricotta and cheeses for a creamy, satisfying bake.

Baked Ziti Ingredients

• Ground pork and ground turkey – A mix gives great flavor while keeping the dish relatively lean and not greasy.
• White onion – Adds savory depth to the sauce.
• Dried spices (garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, chili powder, dried marjoram, dried fennel, salt, pepper) – This blend mimics the flavors of Italian sausage and builds complexity in the sauce.
• Tomato paste – Helps thicken and concentrate the sauce; cook it down until the sauce is reduced and rich.
• Tomato sauce – Use plain, unsalted tomato sauce for the base.
• Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and richness to the pasta.
• Parmesan cheese – Helps create a golden, savory crust on top.
• Mozzarella – For that classic melty, gooey texture.
• Ziti – Traditional for the dish, though similar pasta shapes also work.
• Parsley – A fresh garnish to finish the bake.

Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring it to room temperature and bake according to the instructions.

What is the difference between lasagna and baked ziti?

Both dishes share similar ingredients, but the primary differences are the pasta shape and assembly. Lasagna is layered with sheets of pasta, while baked ziti mixes the sauce, pasta, and cheeses together before baking.

Should I make baked ziti covered or uncovered?

Cover the ziti for the initial bake to prevent drying, then uncover, add extra cheese on top, and bake or broil briefly to brown and bubble the cheese.

Can you freeze baked ziti?

Yes. To freeze, undercook the pasta slightly so it won’t become mushy after reheating. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to three months.

How to Reheat from Frozen

Place the covered frozen casserole in a 350ºF oven and bake for 45–60 minutes, or until heated through. If desired, uncover near the end and broil briefly to brown the top.

How long does baked ziti last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in a 350ºF oven until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked ziti with a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast, or offer garlic bread for a classic Italian-style meal.

4 from 2 votes

Baked Ziti Recipe

This baked ziti features a homemade marinara with onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Ziti and cheeses are folded into the sauce and baked for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake.

By: Honeycomb Media

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Total: 1 hr

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• ½ lb. ground pork
• ½ lb. ground turkey
• ½ medium white onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon dried fennel
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 (15-oz.) cans tomato sauce
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup full-fat ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated mozzarella
• 16 oz. uncooked ziti pasta

Toppings

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for topping

Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Add the ground turkey and ground pork and break the meat into small pieces; cook until beginning to brown.
3. Add the diced white onion and cook 1–2 minutes until softened and combined with the meat.
4. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, chili powder, marjoram, fennel, salt, and pepper. Cook spices with the meat for 2–3 minutes to bloom the flavors.
5. Deglaze the pot with the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and the diced bell pepper. Whisk and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
7. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until slightly undercooked (a bit less than al dente).
8. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop cooking; set aside.
9. Remove the Dutch oven from heat and stir in ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella until the cheeses melt into the sauce.
10. Add the cooked ziti to the sauce and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
11. Cover the Dutch oven and bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes.
12. Remove, sprinkle the surface with additional Parmesan and mozzarella, then broil briefly until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and let the baked ziti rest 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 393 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 29 g,
Protein: 24 g,
Fat: 18 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.