Name: Cheesy Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is convenient. It combines the best parts of lasagna and pasta bake without the need for complicated layering. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s a reliable recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

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

ziti pasta
ricotta cheese
mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
ground beef or Italian sausage
onion
garlic
crushed tomatoes
tomato sauce
olive oil
dried basil
dried oregano
salt
pepper
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute, then add ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Add half of the mozzarella, all the ricotta, and half the Parmesan. Mix well.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or heavy cream with the ricotta mixture.
Different Pasta Shapes: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work just as well as ziti.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

Can I use penne instead of ziti?

Yes, penne is a great substitute and works just as well in this recipe.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Cover with foil while baking to retain moisture. Don’t overcook it after removing the foil.

Can I freeze Cheesy Baked Ziti?

Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking. Reheat from frozen or thaw first for faster cooking.

What can I serve with baked ziti?

A fresh green salad and garlic bread are classic pairings.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Leave out the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?

Yes, use your favorite marinara or pasta sauce to save time.

What cheeses work best?

A combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I bake it in a smaller dish?

Yes, divide it between two smaller dishes. Adjust the baking time slightly as needed.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a beloved classic that delivers big comfort with minimal effort. With its rich layers of pasta, meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to customize, make-ahead friendly, and freezer-ready, this dish is a must-have in your recipe rotation.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting casserole layered with tender pasta, rich tomato meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheeses—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another minute, then add ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to blend flavors.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
Use any short pasta like penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg