Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—a cozy, bubbling casserole filled with layers of zesty tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella. This dish delivers the perfect balance of savory ground meat, al dente pasta, and indulgent cheese, all baked to perfection in one pan. It’s the kind of meal that warms the soul and brings everyone to the table with anticipation.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a casual dinner with friends, this classic Italian-American favorite is always a hit. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make ahead and even better the next day. With bold flavors and melty layers, Cheesy Baked Ziti is a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

---

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

---

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, according to package instructions (usually about 8 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t overcook—the pasta will continue to soften while baking.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef or sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer on low for 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

---

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth. This creamy blend will create luscious layers in your baked ziti.

---

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, half of the remaining sauce, and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers: the rest of the pasta, more ricotta, the remaining sauce, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

---

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Let it cool slightly before serving, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are approximate and based on a single serving (1/8 of the dish).

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat or substitute it with plant-based meat alternatives, mushrooms, or lentils for a hearty texture.

2. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese is a common substitute and offers a similar texture. You could also use a béchamel sauce for a richer twist.

3. Can I prepare Cheesy Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it and store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

4. How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Cover the dish with foil while baking to protect the cheese, and only uncover for the final 10–15 minutes to allow it to melt and brown.

5. Can I use different pasta shapes?

Definitely. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well—just be sure they’re sturdy shapes that hold up during baking.

6. How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

7. What sides go well with baked ziti?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad make perfect pairings.

8. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

---

Print