Cheesy Baked Ziti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti is everything you love about lasagna—without the work. It’s simple to make, incredibly cheesy, and packed with flavor. You can prep it ahead, double it for a crowd, and even freeze it for busy nights. It’s the kind of dish that everyone asks for seconds of and it never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ziti pasta (or penne)
• Marinara or pasta sauce
• Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg (optional, for binding ricotta)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add ground beef or sausage (if using) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
6. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a beaten egg (if using), half of the Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce and a handful of mozzarella.
8. Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Add half the pasta mixture, then dollop ricotta evenly over the top.
10. Add remaining pasta, top with the rest of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6–8 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
• Add spinach or chopped zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Use a combination of marinara and Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
• Skip the meat for a vegetarian version.
• Try with cottage cheese instead of ricotta if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (unbaked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

What is the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

Lasagna uses flat noodles and distinct layers, while baked ziti uses tubular pasta and is mixed more loosely before baking.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

No, but it adds a creamy layer. You can substitute with cottage cheese or skip it entirely.

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use store-bought marinara?

Absolutely—use your favorite brand or homemade if you prefer.

What type of pasta works best?

Ziti or penne are ideal, but any short, sturdy pasta will work.

Should I cook the pasta all the way through?

Cook it just to al dente—it will continue cooking in the oven.

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes! Freeze before baking for best results. Thaw and bake when ready to serve.

How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?

Cover it with foil during the first part of baking, and don’t overcook the pasta.

What kind of meat works best?

Ground beef, sausage, or a mix of both add great flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and load it up with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a classic casserole that never goes out of style. With layers of rich sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly baked pasta, it’s the ultimate family dinner. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and totally satisfying, this is a dish that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American pasta casserole layered with marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and lots of gooey cheese. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for a busy night.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
• 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (optional, for ricotta mixture)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add ground beef or sausage (if using) and cook until browned. Drain fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
6. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg (if using), 1/4 cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
7. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce and a handful of mozzarella.
8. Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Add half the pasta mixture, then dollop ricotta mixture evenly over it.
10. Add the rest of the pasta, top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
12. Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use penne if you can’t find ziti.
• Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese if preferred.
• Use a mix of beef and sausage for more flavor.
• Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 80mg