If you're craving something comforting, cozy, and incredibly satisfying, you're in the right place; this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. It’s more than just pasta with sauce—it’s a warm, bubbling casserole layered with creamy ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and loads of melted mozzarella that makes every bite feel like home.
Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight, prepping for Sunday dinner, or just need a foolproof go-to meal, this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe delivers every time. It’s simple to prepare, yet packed with rich Italian-American flavors that taste like they've been simmering all day. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh whenever you're ready—no stress, just cheesy goodness.
Why You Will Love This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe isn’t just another baked pasta; it’s a reliable, flavor-packed classic you’ll turn to again and again. With every bite, you get the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, saucy goodness—no complicated prep or layering needed.
What makes this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe stand out is the rich, savory meat sauce and that irresistible blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The pasta soaks up all the flavor as it bakes, giving you that true homemade comfort food taste.
Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just stocking up on meals for the week, this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is a meal prep favorite. It’s quick to assemble, easy to reheat, and always pairs beautifully with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or simple roasted veggies.
This is the kind of Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe that feels cozy, satisfying, and easy enough for any night of the week.
Jump to:
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Base:
- Ziti pasta (or penne if unavailable)
- Ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- Italian sausage, casings removed
- Large onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Marinara sauce
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Ricotta cheese (whole milk for creaminess)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Large egg
- Fresh basil, chopped (or dried)
- Italian seasoning
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cook Pasta and Prepare Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cook the ziti pasta for 2-3 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven). While pasta cooks, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet. Add onion and garlic, then stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy. This mixture creates those perfect pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
Assemble and Layer
- In your prepared baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, then half the meat sauce, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, then top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese. The layered pasta technique ensures every bite has the perfect balance.
Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving – this helps the layers set properly for clean slices.
- Step 1: Cook Pasta and Prepare Base
Brown the meat, simmer the sauce, and boil pasta until just tender.
- Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture
Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and herbs until creamy.
- Step 3: Assemble and Layer
Layer pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and deliciously crisp.
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your dish reaches 165°F in the center for food safety.
- Cheese Selection: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can affect melting.
- Pasta Timing: Slightly undercooking the pasta initially prevents the final dish from becoming mushy during the oven-baking process.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 extra minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
Vegetarian Baked Ziti
- Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty meatless baked ziti recipe. Extra vegetables add nutrition and flavor.
Lighter Version
- Use part-skim ricotta, reduce mozzarella to 1.5 cups total, and add extra vegetables like spinach or roasted eggplant.
Spicy Kick
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for heat lovers.
Protein Boost
- Mix in some cooked chicken breast or substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
Essential Equipment for Success
- A 9x13-inch baking dish is crucial for proper cooking and serving portions. Glass or ceramic dishes work best for even heat distribution.
- A large pot for cooking pasta and a heavy-bottomed skillet for the meat sauce ensure professional results. A wooden spoon prevents scratching your cookware.
- Aluminum foil is essential for the initial covered baking period, which prevents the top from browning too quickly.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover baked ziti covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
- This cheesy pasta casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead Strategy
Prepare the entire dish through step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This actually improves the flavors as they meld together.g for X days/weeks/months.
The Cozy Secret Behind My Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe started as a last-minute dinner I pulled together on a rainy weeknight using whatever I could find—half a tub of ricotta, some leftover sausage, and an open jar of marinara. I wasn’t expecting much, but when that golden, bubbling pan came out of the oven, it was love at first bite. The rich meat sauce and layers of melty cheese turned this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe into an instant family favorite.
The real secret to a perfect Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe? Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. That short pause helps the layers set and brings out every bit of flavor. Now, I make this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe for everything—weeknight dinners, potlucks, even birthday meals. It’s the one dish that everyone always requests... and the one I never get tired of making.
FAQ
Why do you put an egg in baked ziti?
An egg helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture, making it creamier and more structured when baked. It ensures the cheesy layers don’t fall apart and adds a rich, velvety texture to the dish.
Can I make baked ziti without ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can skip ricotta and use alternatives like cottage cheese, a béchamel sauce, or even cream cheese for a different texture. It won’t be traditional, but it’ll still taste great.
Can you put cream cheese in ziti?
Absolutely! Cream cheese adds richness and a smooth, slightly tangy flavor. Blend it into the cheese mixture or sauce for an extra creamy twist on your baked ziti.
What is easier, baked ziti or lasagna?
Baked ziti is easier and faster—no need to layer noodles or worry about perfect stacking. Just mix, layer simply, and bake; it’s ideal for quick prep and weeknight meals.
One Bite and You’ll Be Hooked
This Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is the kind of comfort food that never disappoints. It's rich, cheesy, and filled with layers of flavor—from hearty meat sauce to creamy ricotta and a golden, bubbly top that makes every bite unforgettable.
What makes this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe truly special is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few easy steps, you get a dish that tastes like it took hours. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe brings homemade comfort to the table. Keep it in your rotation—this is one Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe you'll come back to again and again.
If you’re already dreaming about your next cozy meal, you’ll also love trying out this creamy Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe or get a little crispy crunch with this savory Sigara Borek Recipe; both are delicious additions to your comfort food collection.
So go ahead; gather your ingredients and dive into this step-by-step Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe. Let the rich, cheesy aroma fill your kitchen and turn a simple night into something special.
When it’s ready, don’t forget to share your version—whether you added a spicy twist or made it meatless, this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is all about making it your own. However you serve it, this Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe is comfort food done right!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish Ideal for even baking and layering the ziti properly
- 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
- 1 Skillet Best for browning meat and simmering the sauce
- 2–3 Mixing bowls For cheese mixture, holding ingredients, and prep
- 1 Aluminum foil Used to cover the dish during initial baking
Ingredients
Base & Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta or penne
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
- 0.5 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese whole milk preferred
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded; divided
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Boil pasta 2–3 minutes less than package instructions.
- Brown beef and sausage; add onion, garlic, marinara, tomatoes, and paste; simmer 10 min.
- Combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, and seasoning in bowl.
- Layer pasta, sauce, cheese mixture; repeat and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 min; uncover and bake 15–20 min more.
- Let baked ziti rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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