Baked Ziti {5 Ingredients and Freezable} (2024)

If you are looking for a quick and economical dinner, this Baked Ziti is it! It has 5 ingredients, is freezable, and only takes minimal time to make. It’s been an easy casserole favorite in this family for years and is sure to be a huge crowd pleaser!

This easy casserole dish will taste like you have been slaving away in the kitchen when it will only take you about 15-20 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake. I honestly can’t think of a recipe that is delicious and at the same time, simple.

This recipe is also versatile. 5 ingredients is the bare minimum and tastes just fine, however, you can add more ingredients (such as cream cheese) to kick it up a notch or two. If you don’t have ziti noodles on hand, you can use a different type.

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Reasons to Make this Pasta Dish

Ingredients and Tips for this 5 Ingredient Baked Ziti

Curious about the items you need to make this delicious meal? Here’s a break down of the ingredients, complete with tips and affiliate links.

• Hamburger Meat: We like to use 92% lean, however, you are welcome to use any ratio you prefer.
• Garlic Salt: This is to add flavor to the hamburger meat. If you aren’t a fan of garlic salt, you can use regular salt & pepper OR use a bit of salt with a teaspoon or two of minced garlic.
• Ziti: This ingredient is what makes this dish popular. You can use a substitute for ziti such as rotini or penne, however, ziti will put it over the top.
• Spaghetti Sauce: You can use whatever sauce you prefer, even homemade! My 3 Mama’s Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is a great one to pair with it.
• Mozzarella Cheese: This is a must so do not skip! If you aren’t a fan of mozzarella, you can use another Italian style cheese or use a 5 Italian Cheese Blend.

Can I freeze casseroles?

Yes you can! Assemble the casserole (to include the cheese) in a disposable 9×13 aluminum pan. Do not bake. Wrap the pan tightly with saran wrap and again with aluminum foil. Label with production date and place in the freezer. It should be consumed within 2 to 3 months from the time of freezer placement.

How do I defrost a casserole?

When ready to eat, place frozen casserole in the fridge overnight. Bake, uncovered, the following day according to the directions in the recipe. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It is best to consume this meal within 3 days after defrosting.

What are good substitutions for ziti noodles?

If you don’t have ziti noodles on hand, you can substitute this part of the recipe with similar medium sized pasta that is tubular in shape. Our favorites are rigatoni and penne, however, mostaccioli can be used as well.

What brand of bakeware do I use to make this baked ziti?

Home cooks recommend the use of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create these delicious meals. We enjoy using these Emile Henry casserole dishes. You can purchase them in a vast array of colors and are made with Burgundy clay for the utmost cooking/baking experience.

Pyrex also has a wonderful selection of glass bakeware that will fit your casserole loving heart. Most of their pieces come with lids to make storing and transporting easy.

Casserole Recipes You Can’t Live Without

Looking for more family favorite recipes like the one above? Then check out these recipes from the site and from our friends!

• Husband’s Delight Casserole
• Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
• Easy Swiss Chicken Bake Casserole
• 25 Easy Dinner Casseroles
• 25 Cheap and Easy Kid Friendly Casseroles

Make this baked ziti a full meal:

Wondering what to serve with this 5 Ingredient Baked Ziti to make it a full meal? I have suggestions linked below:

• Lemon and Olive Oil Green Beans
• Garlic Biscuits
• Mini Cherry Cheesecake Treats
• Easy to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies