Baked Ziti for One

This single-serving baked ziti recipe is perfect for easy homemade pasta meals. Made with ziti or penne, ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s a cheesy, hearty, and flavorful dish. Ideal for quick dinners, solo meals, or portion-controlled cooking, this baked ziti can be prepared in under 30 minutes and baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for anyone searching for easy pasta recipes, comfort food for one, or simple baked ziti ideas.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces dried ziti or penne pasta (about ⅔ cup dry, yields about 1¼ cups cooked)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 ounces ground beef
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce, plus 2 tablespoons for assembling
• ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
• 6 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the ground beef, ¼ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer briefly. Remove from heat and mix in the cooked pasta.
5. In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt.
6. Gently fold the cheese mixture into the pasta and beef mixture.
7. Lightly grease a small baking dish (about 5×5 inches). Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on the bottom.
8. Add half of the pasta mixture and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect single-serving portion
• Classic baked pasta flavors in a simple recipe
• Creamy, cheesy, and hearty
• Easy to prepare with basic ingredients
• Great for a quick homemade meal

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Tips

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving
• Keep it covered while baking to retain moisture
• Add extra sauce if you prefer a softer texture

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Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken
• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta
• Try different pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne
• Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
• Use spicy marinara for more heat

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I use instead of ricotta?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese are good alternatives.

How do I reheat it?
Reheat in the oven or microwave with a little extra sauce to keep it moist.

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Serving

Serve hot, straight from the oven. Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley
• Add extra Parmesan cheese on top
• Serve with roasted vegetables
• Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade