Name: Cheesy Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

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Hearty layers of ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese topped with melted mozzarella and fresh herbs—this Cheesy Baked Ziti is the epitome of comforting Italian-American cuisine. It’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd, prepping ahead, or enjoying on a cozy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort Food: Rich, cheesy, and satisfying—this is comfort food at its finest.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it in advance and bake when ready to eat.
Customizable: Use beef, sausage, or go meatless for a vegetarian twist.
Freezer-Friendly: Ideal for storing leftovers or doubling the recipe for later.
Family Favorite: A dish that both adults and kids will devour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ziti or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, then dot with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture and ricotta. Top with the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley or basil. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories per Serving: 495 kcal

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy Ziti: Increase the red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for more heat.
Four-Cheese Ziti: Add provolone or fontina to the cheese blend for an even richer flavor.
White Sauce Option: Replace red sauce with a béchamel or Alfredo-style sauce for a creamy twist.
Pesto Swirl: Add dollops of basil pesto between layers for an herbaceous kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or most short pasta shapes work well in place of ziti.

Is it okay to make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes. Cottage cheese can be used as a lighter alternative to ricotta.

Do I have to cook the pasta before baking?

Yes, the pasta must be cooked to al dente before assembling the dish.

How do I keep the ziti from drying out in the oven?

Be sure your pasta is well coated with sauce and cover loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking if needed.

Can I use store-bought marinara instead of homemade sauce?

Yes, a quality store-bought marinara can save time and still taste great.

Can I add vegetables to this baked ziti?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the sauce or pasta layers.

How long does baked ziti last in the fridge?

It will keep well for up to 4 days when stored properly.

Can I bake it in a different dish size?

Yes, use a casserole dish with similar volume (around 3 quarts) if you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan.

How do I reheat baked ziti without drying it out?

Add a splash of water or sauce before reheating and cover with foil to keep it moist.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Ziti is a timeless dish that delivers everything you want in a comforting pasta bake—rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a busy week, this recipe is a guaranteed success. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

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Hearty baked ziti layered with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. A comforting Italian classic perfect for family dinners.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine pasta with half the meat sauce and half the mozzarella cheese.
Spread a layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Add half the pasta mixture, then dollop ricotta over the top. Repeat layers.
Finish with remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve.