Description

If you’re craving comfort food that checks all the boxes—melty, hearty, and irresistibly flavorful—this Cheesy Baked Ziti is your go-to. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back Sunday dinners, this easy dinner recipe is a family favorite for a reason. With layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and golden bubbling cheese, every bite delivers warm, cheesy satisfaction. It’s one of the best dinner ideas when you’re short on time but still want a dish that feels like a hug in a pan. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this quick baked pasta is a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Brown ground meat in the skillet, then drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, half the sauce, and half the mozzarella.
Repeat layers with remaining pasta, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella, and finish with Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes for extra golden top.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.