Baked ziti pasta is a traditional Italian dish made with macaroni, cheese, sauce, and breadcrumbs.  It can be prepared as an entree or side dish. It can include additional ingredients such as sausage (Italian pork sausage), ground beef, onion, garlic, etc.  Vegetarians might opt to omit the meat and/or cheese, as there are plenty of delicious baked ziti recipes that don't include meat or cheese. The term "baked ziti" has become so entrenched in the American lexicon that some people may not even realize that there is another way to make this dish. It can be prepared "unbaked" or without the cheese, sauce, and breadcrumbs that give baked Ziti its unique flavor.